In a concerning announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that malaria, a disease typically transmitted by mosquitoes, has been transmitted to humans within the United States for the first time in two decades.
Four cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria, transmitted through mosquito bites, have been reported in Florida in the past two months, while an additional case was identified in Texas. All patients are reportedly showing signs of improvement after receiving treatment.
The CDC emphasized that Anopheles mosquitoes, which are prevalent in many regions across the country, can transmit malaria if they bite an infected person. However, it stressed that the risk of contracting malaria within the U.S. remains extremely low.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. reported approximately 2,000 cases of malaria annually, primarily affecting individuals who had traveled to malaria-endemic countries. These infections resulted in five to ten deaths each year.
The last reported instance of malaria transmission within the U.S. occurred in 2003, with eight cases identified in Palm Beach, Florida.
Here are key points to be aware of:
Symptoms of Malaria:
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC. These symptoms typically appear between 10 days and four weeks after infection, although they can manifest up to a year later.
Malaria Transmission:
The majority of the 240 million annual malaria cases worldwide are transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. In rare cases, the disease can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.
Treatment of Malaria:
The CDC advises suspected malaria patients to undergo blood tests and, where available, rapid diagnostic tests. Treatment involves administering antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine or atovaquone and proguanil, depending on the presumed origin of the infection.
Consequences of Untreated Malaria:
If left untreated, malaria can progress to a severe form of the disease, leading to complications such as seizures, kidney failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, coma, and potentially death.
Protective Measures against Malaria:
Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to protect oneself from malaria. The CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents, wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, utilizing mosquito screens on windows and doors, and eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of malaria transmission and protect their health in regions affected by this concerning development in the U.S.
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