CDC issues health alert on Malaria after cases reported in Texas and Florida

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health alert and warned doctors, health workers, and the public in general on the rise of malaria cases.

After five cases of spread of malaria by mosquitos were reported in two months, the CDC came out with a warning. It is a matter of grave concern because it is for the first time in twenty years that the spread of malaria by mosquitos has been found.

In a statement issued Monday, the CDC said that the patients should immediately go to facilities for rapid diagnoses and treatment. It is also said that malaria is a serious disease caused by the bite of female anopheles mosquitos. It said further that the illness and death can be prevented by proper treatment.


Alarmed by the spread of four cases of malaria after twenty years, the Florida Department of Health issued an illness advisory. It also said that the authorities are monitoring the mosquito population in Sarasota County and taking steps to control it.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has said only one case of malaria has been found in a Texas resident who had gone out to work in Cameron County.

The CDC also said that all five people identified with malaria are getting treatment and improving.

The new cases, though not very high in number, are a matter of concern because no malaria case has been reported since 2003. Eight cases were reported in Palm Beach County twenty years ago.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease, mainly found in tropical regions. It is spread by female anopheles mosquitoes to humans. The parasite that causes the disease, itself does not spread from one human body to another, but it can spread by mosquitos. It can be prevented and treated.

FAQs:

Q1:In which states were found the cases of malaria?
Four cases of malaria were found in Sarasota County in the state of Florida and one in Texas. The CDC has issued a health alert on malaria.

Q2:What is malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease found mainly in tropical regions, it is caused by the parasite ‘plasmodium vivex’ and is spread by certain mosquitos.