Five cases of malaria were identified in Florida and Texas with no recent overseas travel.
Concerns were raised about local transmission and increased “imported malaria cases.”
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening but curable disease transmitted through mosquito bites.
Can also be transmitted through infected blood or from a pregnant mother to her fetus.
Most prevalent in warm countries, particularly in tropical climates.
In 2021, there were 247 million cases and 619,000 deaths reported worldwide.
Symptoms of Malaria
Typical symptoms are similar to the flu: fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Severe cases may involve unusual bleeding, jaundice, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days after infection but can occur earlier or much later.
Without proper treatment, malaria can lead to kidney failure, seizures, coma, and death.
Vulnerable individuals at higher risk include children under 5, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
Recent Malaria Cases in the United States
Four locally transmitted cases reported in Sarasota County, Florida, since May.
One case identified in Cameron County, Texas.
No evidence linking the cases in Florida and Texas.
Cases involve the P. vivax strain, which is less likely to cause severe infections.
P. vivax can cause relapsing malaria infections.
Mosquitoes and Malaria Transmission
Malaria is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite.
Anopheles mosquitoes are found across most of the continental United States.
Local transmission in the U.S. often starts when a mosquito bites an infected individual and then bites others in the community.
Prevention and Treatment of Malaria
Recommendations for those living in countries with malaria include installing mosquito nets, using screens on doors and windows, applying insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing.
Antimalarial medicines can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
Immediate medical help is advised for infected individuals, as early detection and treatment lead to better outcomes.
Treatment options include chloroquine and artemisinin-based combination therapies.
Malaria Vaccine and Climate Change
No universal vaccine exists, but a vaccine called RTS,S is recommended for children in countries with moderate to high malaria transmission.
Climate change may impact mosquito prevalence and behavior, potentially increasing the spread of malaria.
Warmer temperatures can lead to increased mosquito biting and faster parasite development.
Climate change could create more suitable environments for disease transmission.
Individuals can play a role in reducing disease spread by following health advice and preventing mosquito breeding grounds.
Malaria in the United States and Worldwide
Malaria cases in the U.S. are rare, and the disease is considered eradicated.
Most U.S. cases are among travelers returning from malaria-endemic regions.
Globally, malaria remains a significant health issue, with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.
Climate change and global warming can influence mosquito distribution and disease spread.
