Malaria has returned to the United States for the first time in 20 years - how to stay safe

The first cases acquired locally in decades were reported in two states.


Those who have traveled in certain parts of the globe probably know malaria and its risks. THE disease that causes mosquitoes returned to around 247 million people worldwide in 2021 and led to an estimate 619,000 deaths , according to the United Nations. But although the disease is rare in the United States thanks to domestic elimination, centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that malaria has returned to the United States with the first local infections reported in 20 years. Read the rest to see how you can stay safe.

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Health officials have just announced the first cases of malaria acquired locally in the United States in two decades.

A close up of a hand holding a test tube with a blood sample that's positive for malaria
Istock / Thomas Faull

There could be a reason to apply an additional insect spray this summer. In an opinion on the health of the Health Alert Network (HAN) published on June 26, the CDC announced that it had identified the first infections with malaria acquired locally in the United States Since 2003 .

The disease is caused by a parasitic propagation by women Anopheles mosquitoes , by the CDC. It is transferred to humans when insects bite a person infected with malaria, then continues to bite another. Otherwise, the disease is not contagious from one person to another.

While around 2,000 cases of malaria are reported each year at the national level, they are generally linked to those who have international traveler In countries where the disease is expected, according to the CDC. The disease has been eliminated from the United States thanks to a national effort Antmis after the Second World War, but there is one of the worst health crises on a global scale to date.

There have been five infections reported in two states.

woman looking at her arm, skin with a bug, mosquito on it
Sun ok / Shutterstock

According to the CDC health council, there have so far been five infections acquired locally in two states in the last two months. Four of them were found in County of Sarasota , Florida, by release of the state health service. Managers say that all infected patients have since been treated and recovered and that they remain vigilant for any other cases in the region.

The fifth case was a lonely infection reported in Cameron County, Texas , marking the first case acquired locally in the Lone Star State since 1994, according to a press release from Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Officials There is also follow -up for other potential cases and urge the public to remain attentive to the exhibition to mosquitoes.

The latest infections to locally acquired malaria took place 20 years ago. These four cases were reported in the county of Palm Beach, Florida, according to the CDC. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

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Malaria can make people "very sick" and cause serious illness in others, warns the CDC.

Shot of a young woman recovering from an illness in bed at home
istock

Even if the CDC claims that the risk of infecting remains "extremely low in the United States", it urges doctors in regions where malaria can spread to remain vigilant for any new case. The agency says that Symptoms for most people Start 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection. These generally include pseudo-Grippal fever and symptoms such as chills, "headaches, muscle ailments and fatigue", as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in certain cases.

Although the treatment of malaria is generally effective, waiting too long or poorly dealing after an erroneous diagnosis can lead to a much more serious illness. Patients can possibly undergo kidney failure, crisis, mental confusion, a coma and potentially death.

"Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly," the CDC wrote in its health advice. "Patients suspected of malaria should be evaluated urgently in an establishment capable of providing diagnosis and rapid treatment, within 24 hours of presentation."

Here's how to protect yourself from malaria.

Mosquito on window screen, new uses for cleaning products
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The CDC now urges the public to take certain precautions because it is "worrying for a potential increase in imported malaria cases associated with an increase in international trips in the summer of 2023. This is particularly true in areas where warmer climates allow Anopheles Mosquitoes to survive all summer and potentially continue to spread the parasite.

The agency says protect yourself from mosquito bites Will stop the spread of the infection. This means the use of certain repellents of inspected and approved insects which include active ingredients Deet, Picaridine, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthan-diol (PMD) or 2-Funcanone. You should also wear long and long sleeve pants to cover your skin.

It is also important to install or repair the screens on your windows at home and use air conditioning when possible. The agency also advises to empty any stagnant water on your property which could facilitate the reproduction of mosquitoes by turning or covering items such as buckets, planters, tires, bird baths, flower pots, garbage receptions or swimming pools.

The CDC recommends that anyone traveling in an area where malaria is widespread should speak in advance to their doctor the necessary precautions, including the preventive drugs they may need. Anyone who develops symptoms should consult a doctor and say to his health professional where they recently traveled.


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