NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Manatee County (DOH-Sarasota and DOH-Manatee) is responding to one confirmed case of malaria among an individual who spent extensive time outdoors.

Image/CDC

The patient was promptly treated at a hospital and has recovered. DOH is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

The case was identified as Plasmodium vivax malaria.  Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Only infected Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.

Malaria

Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other health care providers. Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention.

The Florida Department of Health has reported thirteen cases of travel-associated malaria with onset in 2023. Countries of origin were: Burundi, Côte D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, Ghana (2), Kenya, multiple countries (2), Nicaragua, Sierra Leone (2), and Sudan. Counties reporting cases were: Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Leon (2), Miami-Dade (4), Orange, Osceola, and Pinellas (2). Five cases were reported in non-Florida residents.

Seven cases (54%) were diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum. Four cases (31%) were diagnosed with
Plasmodium vivax. Two cases (15%) were diagnosed with Plasmodium malariae.

To protect yourself from any mosquito-borne illness, take the following prevention steps

  • Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants.
  • Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

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To help reduce the population of mosquitos around your home, please drain and cover areas around your home. Mosquitoes reproduce in freshwater from rainstorms, sprinklers and other source. Drain pools of freshwater around your home and yard. Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires, and anything where freshwater has accumulated.

Residents of Sarasota County and Manatee County should contact their local government for more information about specific mosquito control.