The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Monday, June 26, about five cases of malaria in the United States. These individuals had not traveled recently, indicating that they acquired the mosquito-borne disease locally.
Before these cases, there had been no reports of locally acquired malaria in the US for 20 years, since 2003 when eight people in Palm Beach County, Florida were infected, as stated in the CDC health advisory.
CDC Raises Concerns of Locally Transmitted Malaria in the US
Texas Department of State Health Services reported that four malaria cases occurred near each other in Sarasota County, Florida, while the remaining case was identified in Cameron County, Texas. The CDC advisory highlights that these cases were transmitted through mosquito bites, which is the most common method of contracting malaria.
Annually, approximately 2,000 individuals in the U.S. test positive for malaria, but the majority of these cases are among individuals who have recently traveled to regions where the disease is regularly spread (endemic).
However, since mosquito species capable of carrying malaria exist within the U.S., there is a potential risk for local mosquitoes to become infected by malaria parasites from individuals and reintroduce the disease to the area.
As per CDC's data, malaria was successfully eliminated in the U.S. during the 1940s and 1950s through extensive campaigns focused on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and employing pesticides to control mosquito populations.
However, isolated outbreaks of locally acquired malaria can occur, albeit on a small scale, necessitating public health emergency responses. The CDC collaborates with local health departments to identify additional cases, coordinate mosquito control measures, and conduct surveillance programs when such outbreaks arise.
The CDC advisory reports that the five individuals infected with Plasmodium vivax, the parasite causing their malaria, have received treatment and are showing signs of improvement.
Malaria Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment
CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said in an interview that malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. Plasmodium vivax, one of the five main types of malaria parasites, was identified in these locally acquired infections
Symptoms of malaria range from mild to severe, including high fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Without timely treatment, malaria can lead to serious complications and even death.
Globally, malaria remains a significant public health concern, causing approximately 619,000 deaths in 2021, with the highest mortality occurring among children under the age of five. Pregnant individuals and those with conditions such as HIV and AIDS are also at higher risk of severe outcomes.
It is important to note that malaria is not spread through casual contact or respiratory transmission but requires the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Transmission through blood transfusion and needle-sharing is also possible.
Malaria is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of Plasmodium parasites. Early diagnosis is crucial to initiate prompt treatment and prevent the progression of the disease.
Treatment for malaria depends on the specific parasite type and individual characteristics, with various medications available. Severe cases may require injectable medications, while less severe forms can be treated with oral pills. The CDC issued an alert to raise awareness among clinicians and ensure the availability of diagnostic and treatment resources.
In efforts to combat malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of the RTS,S/AS01 or Mosquirix vaccine in regions with moderate to high malaria transmission. This vaccine has shown effectiveness in reducing severe and fatal malaria cases by approximately 30%.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Check out more news and information on Malaria in Science Times.
