Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Cases of Malaria have been diagnosed in Florida and Texas. There were four cases in Sarasota County, Florida and one case in Cameron County, Texas. The case of malaria that was diagnosed in Florida and Texas is Plasmodium Vivax. Plasmodium Vivax lasts 48 hours and the signs and symptoms are a fever for many hours, sweating and then reduces down to normal body temperature.

Attention to these cases highlights that Malaria in the U.S. is commonly transmitted by people who travel different countries. Malaria is what the CDC calls an “endemic” which means ongoing. Like most health issues, education is a key component in prevention. Malaria is caused by a mosquito of five species, and they ingest blood from biting into the skin.

Those who are HIV positive, pregnant, or have Sickle Cell Anemia should take additional measures educate themselves of what Malaria is, and what does to the body, and mosquito bite prevention. Buck and Finnigan the authors of “Malaria,” stated that “P. falciparum infections are associated with complications such as maternal anemia, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirths, and congenital malaria”. The CDC states that the Texas State and Florida Departments of Health are working to monitor this issue and stop transmission. For example, the Florida Department of Health is currently working with local mosquito control in Sarasota County and Manatee County to prevent further transmission. Further, the CDC mentions the Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to conduct ongoing monitoring and surveillance to as means of prevention. It is important that people get constantly screened for malaria in people that have fevers and travels a lot to places that have malaria per the CDC.  Remember, prevention is important, citronella, and mosquito repellants help to prevent mosquito bites. Also, wearing light-weight pants, or sleeves shirts aid in reducing the risk of mosquito bites.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 30). CDC – Malaria – malaria in Florida. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/new_info/2023/malaria_florida.html

Malaria – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf – national center for … (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551711/