SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Department of Health and the CDC are investigating local cases of Malaria in Sarasota County.
A total of four cases have been reported in Florida as well as one point reported in Texas within two months.
The first malaria case reported in Sarasota County occurred at the end of May.
On June 19, The FDOH (DOH-Sarasota and DOH-Manatee) issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Sarasota and Manatee counties after two malaria cases were reported.
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Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Only infected Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.
According to the CDC, Most malaria cases in the United States are imported by travelers from countries where malaria is endemic. However, locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases can occur, as Anopheles mosquito vectors exist throughout the United States. In 2003 there were 8 cases of locally acquired P. vivax malaria identified in Palm Beach County, FL.
The Florida DOH conducted aerial and truck spraying in the general area where the individual lives.
Some tips to prevent mosquito bites:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
- Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
To learn more about malaria, click here.
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