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Local Malaria Transmission Detected in Texas and Florida for the First Time in Two Decades, CDC Reports

by Joshua Brown
10 comments
malaria transmission

In a significant development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the United States has witnessed the local transmission of malaria via mosquito bites. This occurrence marks the first instance of such transmission in the country in 20 years.

The CDC’s health alert, issued on Monday, reveals the identification of four malaria cases in Florida and one in Texas. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, and infected individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Without proper treatment, the infection can lead to severe complications and even death. Notably, the highest fatality rates have been observed among children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Health officials are cautioning doctors, particularly those practicing in southern states with favorable climates for the mosquito species that spreads malaria, to remain vigilant regarding the possibility of infection. Furthermore, they are advised to consider the availability of intravenous drugs, which serve as the primary treatment for severe malaria in the United States, as suggested by the CDC.

The CDC has assured that the diagnosed individuals have received treatment and are currently showing signs of improvement.

Every year, approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States, with the majority occurring in individuals who have traveled from countries where malaria is endemic.

Over the past three decades, there have been a total of 11 malaria outbreaks caused by mosquitoes in the United States. The most recent outbreak occurred in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, where eight cases were reported.


The Big Big News Health and Science Department acknowledges support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP assumes sole responsibility for all content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about malaria transmission

Q: How many cases of local malaria transmission have been reported in the United States recently?

A: The United States has seen five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos in the last two months, marking the first local spread in 20 years.

Q: Which states have reported cases of local malaria transmission?

A: Four cases were detected in Florida, and one case was reported in Texas.

Q: What is malaria and how is it transmitted?

A: Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters their bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness.

Q: What are the potential complications of untreated malaria?

A: If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications and even death. The most significant death toll has been observed in children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Q: What precautions are health officials advising in light of these cases?

A: Health officials are cautioning doctors, particularly in southern states where the climate is favorable for the mosquito species that spreads malaria, to be aware of the possibility of infection. They are also recommending that doctors consider the availability of the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States.

Q: How many malaria cases are typically diagnosed in the United States each year?

A: Approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States annually, with the majority occurring in travelers coming from countries where malaria is common.

Q: Has the United States experienced previous outbreaks of malaria transmission from mosquitoes?

A: Yes, since 1992, there have been a total of 11 outbreaks of malaria transmission caused by mosquitoes in the United States. The most recent outbreak occurred in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, with eight reported cases.

More about malaria transmission

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10 comments

ScienceGeek June 27, 2023 - 6:15 am

Malaria has been a persistent challenge worldwide, and it’s fascinating how different regions are affected differently. Let’s hope for advancements in prevention and treatment!

Reply
User123 June 27, 2023 - 6:26 am

omg!! malaria cases in texas and florida?!! thats so scary! havent had local spread in 20yrs??!

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MedStudent22 June 27, 2023 - 7:02 am

As a future doctor, this is a good reminder to always stay updated on infectious diseases and their potential local transmission. Public health is crucial!

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HealthConsciousMom June 27, 2023 - 10:04 am

This news makes me worried about my kids. It’s heartbreaking to hear that children in sub-Saharan Africa are most affected. We need to support global health initiatives.

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NewsJunkie June 27, 2023 - 10:41 am

I’m glad the CDC is on top of this and providing alerts to healthcare professionals. Early detection and proper treatment are key in managing diseases like malaria.

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HealthNut23 June 27, 2023 - 11:11 am

I didn’t even know malaria was a thing in the US! So it’s spread by mosquitos? Those little buggers are trouble!

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TravelAddict June 27, 2023 - 11:26 am

Yikes, I guess it’s a good thing I always take precautions when traveling to countries with malaria. But now it’s right here in the US? Scary stuff!

Reply
NatureLover87 June 27, 2023 - 11:33 am

Mosquito-borne diseases are a real threat to human health. It’s crucial that we continue research and efforts to control and prevent these infections.

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CuriousCat June 27, 2023 - 6:19 pm

Can you imagine getting malaria from a mosquito bite? It’s crazy how something so tiny can cause such a serious disease!

Reply
OutdoorsyGurl June 28, 2023 - 1:19 am

Being aware of malaria transmission is super important, especially if you live in southern states where those tropical mosquitos love to hang out!

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