The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have stated that five new cases of malaria have been recorded in Florida and Texas. The news has sparked concern in the country, but the CDC assured large-scale malaria outbreak is “extremely low.” they warn that global warming could increase the frequency of infections in these areas.
It is believed that most cases of this disease in the United States have usually been reported from people who have caught it while traveling to regions with a high malaria prevalence. In this instance, professionals say that most people get infected after they are bitten by a female mosquito with malaria.
Transmission Mechanism
As stated previously, the bite of infected female mosquitoes provokes malaria, which means that the illness is not transmitted from person to person. In this line, it can be said that the rate of sick people due to this disease is reasonably low in the U.S. In fact, the first transmission in American territory took place 20 years ago. A total of eight cases were reported in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2003. Years earlier, the Texas State Department of Health Services also confirmed local transmission in the area in 1994.
How to prevent it?
Following the news, the authorities have started mosquito fumigations in two counties surrounding Sarasota, where four cases were reported to authorities. In addition, the CDC has advised citizens to take precautions by using repellent or bug spray, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and not having standing water at home.
The CDC also recommended doctors be careful of the disease, especially in regions where patients are more likely to get affected.
