CDC issues warning after 5 people contracted malaria in US

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Jun 2023 21:03

Four of the five cases were confirmed in Florida, while the last one was confirmed in Texas.

This 2014 photo made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a feeding female Anopheles gambiae mosquito. The species is a known vector for the parasitic disease malaria. (AP)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Monday that an alarm has been raised after five cases of malaria were confirmed.

The last time a case of locally acquired malaria in the US dates back to 2003 when, eight cases were identified in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Four of the five cases were confirmed in Florida, the CDC said, while the last one was confirmed in Texas.

"All patients have received treatment and are improving," it said, adding that authorities are still searching for additional cases.

Control measures have been implemented in the affected areas, the CDC said, noting that residents in Sarasota County and Manatee County have been warned to drain standing water where mosquitoes may breed and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

A health advisory has also been issued in Texas after a resident who worked outdoors in Cameron County was diagnosed. According to the Texas health department, no further cases have been identified as of now.

"Despite these cases, the risk of locally acquired malaria remains extremely low in the United States," the CDC said.

Found in several places across the US, the anopheles mosquito can carry and transmit the disease if they feed on an infected person, the CDC added.

"Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly," it said.