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ATLANTA — Five cases of malaria have been confirmed in Florida and Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Monday. It is the first time the potentially fatal, mosquito-borne disease has been acquired in the United States in 20 years. Four cases in Florida and one case in Texas were diagnosed over the last two months. The cases were identified in Sarasota County, Florida, and Cameron County, Texas. All five people were treated and are recovering.
The CDC released an alert Monday which stated that malaria is a medical emergency, and that anyone with symptoms should be “urgently evaluated.” Officials note, however, that the risk of malaria in the United States is “extremely low.” Most cases are acquired from travel outside of the country; 95 percent of malaria infections are acquired in Africa.
Malaria is caused by several species of a parasite carried by female mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are also common. It can be life-threatening, with organ damage, including kidney failure, seizures, and coma. Symptoms typically start about 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, but people can get sick as late as a year after their initial infection.
Florida has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert and recommended drainage of standing pools of water, making sure that window screens are intact, and using mosquito repellents that contain DEET. For more information on these products, check EdNews' list of expert-recommended Best Mosquito Repellants.
Texas also issued a health alert, advising healthcare providers to routinely obtain a travel history to determine if a patient with symptoms of malaria has been bitten by mosquitoes in an area with malaria activity.
With the busy summer travel season upon us, more people could bring the disease back to the U.S., warn experts. The CDC encourages people to use insect repellent while traveling and when at home, especially in the warmer summer months.
The CDC also suggests that doctors should be attentive for signs of malaria, especially doctors practicing in the regions where the new cases occurred.
Preventing mosquito-borne diseases
The CDC recommends the use of insect repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These include:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-methane-diol (PMD)
- Z-undecanone
So-called “natural repellents” which are not registered with the EPA are not recommended. There is an EPA search tool to help you make a selection. Find the Repellent that is Right for You | US EPA
- Follow product label instructions.
- Reapply as directed.
- Do not spray skin under clothing.
- Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Treat boots, socks, and tents with permethrin or buy clothing and gear treated with permethrin – it protects after multiple washings. Check the labels for how long it lasts. Do not apply it to skin.
For Children
- Follow product instructions.
- Do not use repellents in children less than two months old.
- Do not apply repellent to hands, eyes, mouths, or on cuts and inflamed skin. To apply to a child’s face, apply it to an adult hand, then the face.
- Cover as much skin as possible with clothing.
- Use mosquito netting for cribs and strollers.
If you are concerned about a mosquito bite or symptoms you're experiencing after receiving one, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
