USA —In a recent health advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that five individuals have been infected with malaria in the United States over the past two months.
These cases, four in Florida and one in Texas mark the first instances of locally acquired malaria since 2003 when eight individuals fell ill in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Malaria, once endemic in the country, is caused by various parasite species transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes.
While malaria often manifests with flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, it can escalate into a severe and potentially fatal disease if left untreated.
The recent cases have been attributed to Plasmodium vivax, a parasite species known to cause milder forms of the illness compared to other malaria parasites.
Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bites of female anopheline mosquitoes, although rare cases of transmission can occur through congenital means, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or unsafe needle-sharing practices.
With an increase in travel activity, the likelihood of more cases emerging becomes a cause for concern. Most imported cases of malaria are diagnosed during the summer and early fall months.
In recent cases, four individuals in Florida and one in Texas appear to have been exposed to the disease locally.
The CDC clarifies that these cases are unrelated to each other. Vigilant surveillance and active monitoring of the affected regions are being conducted by public health authorities, who are also working to control the local mosquito populations.
The CDC anticipates that summer international travel among U.S. residents in 2023 will increase to levels seen before the pandemic.
Although the United States eliminated malaria several decades ago, the global burden of the disease remains significant, with nearly 250 million cases reported in 2021, predominantly in Africa.
The World Health Organization warns that the changing climate could contribute to the resurgence of malaria, making it more prevalent in the United States as temperatures rise.
Malaria thrives in warm climates, and there is evidence that some Anopheles mosquito populations have already expanded their ranges due to climate change.
The majority of malaria cases in the United States are imported and typically affect individuals traveling from malaria-endemic countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 2,000 cases of malaria were reported annually in the United States, almost exclusively in individuals who contracted the disease abroad.
Of these cases, about 300 were severe, mainly caused by P. falciparum, resulting in 5 to 10 deaths each year.
Despite these recent cases, the CDC emphasizes that the risk of contracting malaria in the United States remains “extremely low.”
However, with the approaching busy summer travel season, the CDC cautions that more people traveling could inadvertently introduce the disease back into the country.
To mitigate this risk, the CDC encourages the use of bug spray while traveling and at home, especially during the warmer summer months.
Furthermore, the CDC advises healthcare professionals, particularly those practicing in the regions where the new cases emerged in Florida and Texas, to remain vigilant and consider malaria as a potential diagnosis.
Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial, as it can prevent the worsening of symptoms and potential fatalities associated with malaria.
As climate change continues to influence the geographical distribution of malaria vectors, vigilance, preventive measures, and early detection remain essential in combating the re-establishment of malaria transmission.
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