The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert following the confirmation of five cases of malaria in Texas and Florida. These cases mark the first instances of locally acquired malaria in the United States in two decades.
The cases were caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, which is the most common type of malaria worldwide. Interestingly, all the patients were adults with no recent travel history to malaria-endemic countries.
To mitigate the risk, the CDC is strongly advising people in the affected areas to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors during the peak mosquito activity periods of dusk and dawn.
Although the overall risk of malaria in the United States remains very low, the CDC is treating these cases seriously. Efforts are underway to investigate the source of the infections and prevent any potential further spread.
Here are some additional details about the cases:
- Four of the cases were identified in Florida, specifically in the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.
- The remaining case was reported in Harris County, Texas, which encompasses Houston.
- All the patients affected were adults who had not recently traveled to countries with high malaria prevalence.
- The patients are currently in recovery and receiving treatment with antimalarial drugs.
In addition to urging preventive measures against mosquito bites, the CDC is actively investigating the origins of these infections and working on strategies to curtail any potential spread.
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