Four Confirmed Cases of Malaria: Florida Department of Health Issues Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Advisory

Title: Florida Department of Health Issues Advisory on Malaria Outbreak: Four Cases Confirmed

The Florida Department of Health has released an advisory regarding a recent outbreak of malaria in Sarasota County, confirming four cases of the mosquito-borne illness. However, all infected individuals have been successfully treated and have fully recovered. To prevent further transmission, the Department is working in collaboration with local partners to implement aerial and ground mosquito spraying measures.

Following the recovery of four malaria cases in Sarasota County, the Florida Department of Health has issued an advisory emphasizing the need for enhanced mosquito control efforts. Residents are urged to safeguard themselves by using repellents and wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water, and promptly reporting any deceased birds as part of the state’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance.

On June 27, the Florida Department of Health issued a statewide advisory regarding mosquito-borne illnesses after four local cases of malaria were confirmed and successfully treated in Sarasota County. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, and residents across the state are advised to take precautions such as applying bug spray, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing protective clothing, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

The Department remains actively engaged with local partners and county mosquito control teams, ensuring ongoing aerial and ground mosquito spraying to minimize the risk of further transmission. In light of this situation, the public is strongly encouraged to adopt necessary precautions, including using bug spray, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations. Moreover, residents should eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed and install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering their homes. It is recommended to use appropriate repellents, safe for both children and adults.

In Florida, Malaria is transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes, and the cases reported in this outbreak have been identified as the Plasmodium vivax species. Effective treatment options are readily available through hospitals and healthcare providers. Individuals in the affected area experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

The Department advises the public to remain vigilant in their personal mosquito protection efforts, reminding them to “Drain and Cover” as follows:

Drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding:

• Remove water from containers like garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other items collecting rainwater.
• Dispose of unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, and broken appliances.
• Regularly empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain using water-repellent tarps.
• Maintain appropriately chlorinated swimming pools and empty plastic pools when not in use.

Cover doors and windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes:

• Repair any broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Cover skin with appropriate clothing or repellents:

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are present.
• Apply mosquito repellent following the instructions on the label.
• Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535, as they are effective.
• Utilize mosquito netting for children under two months old.

Tips for using repellents:

• Carefully read and follow the directions on the label before applying repellents.
• Apply repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, avoiding direct application to the skin.
• Ensure the repellent used is safe and suitable for children, adhering to age-specific guidelines:
  • Children under three years old should not use repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol.
  • DEET is not recommended for children younger than two months old.
  • Avoid applying repellents directly to children’s hands; parents should apply it to their hands first and then transfer it to their child’s skin and clothing.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Florida residents are encouraged to report any dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about mosquito-borne illnesses

More about mosquito-borne illnesses

• Florida Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Mosquito-Borne Diseases
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Malaria
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission