Mosquito-borne caught locally by five people in the United States -By Badrudeen Nabeelat

For the first time in ages, Malaria has been contracted by people who did not travel outside the United States. This led Federal Health Authorities to warn people about the possibility of transmission of the mosquito-borne disease within the nation’s borders.

The Washington Post via their social page shared that four people in Sarasota County, Florida, and one person in Cameron County, Texas, were confirmed as having been infected between May and June via local transmission. These people have been treated and are recovering as health officials watch for additional cases, this was said to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Brian Grimberg, an Associate Professor of Pathology and International Health at Case Western Reserve University said “It’s not the panic time”. He further stated that he thinks the message is just for awareness.
Malaria is a serious disease with symptoms including fevers, headaches, colds, and flu-like illness. Around the world, more than 240 million infections happen each year and 95% of them are in Africa Countries.

Then in the United States, Malaria was once a major threat to public health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention was created to curb the spread of the disease through the use of the insecticide DDT, draining of swamps, and other measures; Grimberg said, those efforts were largely successful and malaria retreated as a concern.

In the five cases discovered between late May and June, the species of the malaria parasite has been identified as P.Virax, which is less likely to cause severe disease. But, failure to get it treated can cause relapsing episodes. People were then advised by the health officials that if they suspect you have the illness, get evaluated, diagnosed, and treated soon after symptoms arise.

Moreover, to lower the risk of getting malaria and other mosquito-borne illness, the CDC is urging the public to apply insect repellent, use sunscreen on windows and doors and drain items that hold water: such as tires, bird baths, buckets, and trash containers at least once a month.

Those traveling overseas should pack bug spray, stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens or sleep under a mosquito net.

Lastly, hospitals should have malaria tests available and stock up on treatments, and the public should have a plan for rapid identification, prevention, and control. “recommended by the agency