The mosquito species is a known vector of the parasitic disease malaria. The United States has seen five cases of malaria transmitted by mosquitoes in the past two months, the first local transmission in 20 years. (James Gatani, CDC via AP)
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New York – The United States has seen five cases of malaria spread by mosquitoes in the past two months – the first local transmission in 20 years.
Four cases have been found in Florida and Texas, according to a health alert issued Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquito bites. People infected with the virus may suffer from fever, chills and flu-like illness. If left untreated, infected people can develop serious complications and die. In recent years, the highest death toll has been seen among children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Health experts are warning doctors in the southern regions, where the climate is more favorable to tropical mosquitoes, to be aware of the possibility of contracting the disease. In the United States, they need to figure out how to access the IV drug, which is the first line of treatment for severe malaria, the CDC said.
The agency said those tested were receiving treatment and “improving”.
About 2,000 U.S. cases of malaria are recognized each year — mostly travelers from countries where malaria is commonly transmitted.
Since 1992, there have been 11 mosquito-borne malaria outbreaks in the US, the last of which occurred in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, where eight cases were reported.
The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science and Education Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.
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