Malaria outbreak hits the US.after two decades
In an alarming development, recent cases of malaria have arisen in the US, particularly in Texas and Florida. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Health Department are monitoring the status.
These local agencies are also urging the residents to take preventive actions. One individual in Texas and four in Florida have recently been infected with malaria.
The reported cases prompted health officials to recommend caution and issue warnings. In addition, the CDC has confirmed that mosquitoes in Florida transmitted the disease.
Moreover, the fifth case in the US was in Texas. Currently, there is no proof of connection and transmission between these two cases, as CDC confirmed.
NEW 🚨 Malaria found in United States for first time in 20 years, alarming officials – NY Post pic.twitter.com/w8wcbosAoG
— Pubity News (@pubity) June 27, 2023
After four cases of malaria were confirmed in Sarasota County in Florida, the state’s Department of Health released an advisory to promote awareness and reduce the risk of more transmission.
The individuals who contracted the disease have recovered after proper care and treatment. However, to fight the transmission of the disease, local authorities have started sparing measures in the affected places.
The press secretary for the Florida Department of Health, Jan Wiliams, has highlighted the urgency of the situation. She stated, “As soon as it crossed over from one to two confirmed cases, it progressed to an alert. Listen, the conditions are favorable. It’s not just some rogue one mosquito. People need to be paying attention.”
Furthermore, these current cases mark the first malaria transmission within the US in the last 20 years. Health authorities are conducting measures to avoid any further escalation.
Williams noted their proactive approach to the situation. “We know we are going into the Fourth of July holiday. We know the summer’s only getting hotter and wetter over the next couple of months. So we just wanted to give Floridians a big kind of heads up, put the whole state on notice.”
I remember your malaria infection very clearly. You were unconscious, yellow and shivering for days. Tubes were going in and out of you. It was a terrifying time. Modern medicine saved you. https://t.co/abOUPcEufT
— Maye Musk (@mayemusk) June 18, 2023
Prevention and Control of Malaria
To avoid contracting the disease and safeguard yourself and the community from mosquito-borne infections, it is vital to implement control measures and efficient prevention.
Local US health authorities suggest the following:
Maintain Swimming Pools
Keep swimming pools appropriately chlorinated and well-maintained to avoid them from becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In addition, empty plastic swimming pools when they’re not in use.
Discard Mosquito Breeding Sites
Cover and drain any stagnant water in storage, like flower pots, pool covers, and flower pots as mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Eliminate any unused stuff that may collect water, such as drums, old tires, and broken appliances.
Use Insect Repellent
Keep your skin protected by applying mosquito repellents containing DEET, oils of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, para-methane-diol, 2-undercanone, or IR3535. Be careful and read the instructions on the label.
Safeguard your Babies and Kids
For infants below two months old, use mosquito netting to protect them from insect bites. Areas and follow instructions on repellent lotions to ensure age-appropriate use for children.
Use Protective Screens
Cover your windows and doors with screens to avoid any mosquito entry. Repair any broken doors, windows, patios, and porches.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when going in areas with lots of mosquitoes. Take note that they are most active during sunrise and sunset.
Clean and Empty Water Containers Regularly
Clean and empty birdbaths and your pet’s drinking bowls at least once or twice a week to avoid mosquito breeding.
Remember, mosquitoes can cause other diseases aside from malaria. So doing these preventive measures can protect against other mosquito-borne diseases.
Overall, the current cases in Texas and Florida have alerted local health officials to the possible risks of transmission. By adhering to the prevention and control recommendations, the public can help lower the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.
Take appropriate precautions, stay vigilant, and work collaboratively to keep your surroundings safe from malaria and other related mosquito-borne health conditions.
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