Current:Home > StocksMalaria confirmed in Florida mosquitoes after several human cases-LoTradeCoin
Malaria confirmed in Florida mosquitoes after several human cases
View Date:2024-12-24 08:49:51
Multiple mosquitoes gathered by authorities in Florida's Sarasota County have tested positive for malaria at a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lab, as the response has ramped up to stamp out further spread of the illness. Four locally-acquired cases of malaria were recently reported in Florida, along with one in Texas — the first known instances of the mosquito-borne illness being transmitted within the U.S. since 2003.
Three mosquitoes carrying the parasite that causes malaria were collected from the same woodlot, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services told CBS News in a statement. They were among more than a hundred samples that have been shipped to the CDC for testing.
Local authorities have targeted their eradication efforts in that area to wipe out Anopheles mosquitoes, the insect that spreads malaria, through spraying efforts from trucks, aircraft and on foot.
"Efforts continue to test more Anopheles from all areas of concern as well as treatments," the county said.
News of the mosquitoes testing positive was previously reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
A spokesperson for the CDC confirmed it has received mosquito specimens from both Florida and Texas in support of their investigations into the cases, which prompted a nationwide health advisory issued by the agency last week.
In Texas, so far all mosquitoes have tested negative for the parasite, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services told CBS News.
Texas reported a single case this month, in a resident who had not traveled outside the state. Officials in Cameron County said the case was a resident of another county, but an investigation had determined the patient contracted the parasite while in the county.
Spokespeople for both Texas and Florida's health departments did not confirm whether additional suspected cases are being investigated in their states.
It can take weeks for people to first start feeling sick after being infected with the parasite. Early symptoms of malaria infections can look similar to the flu, with signs like fever, headache, and fatigue.
- What is malaria? What to know as U.S. sees first locally acquired infections in 20 years
However, untreated cases can quickly become dangerous. An estimated 619,000 people died from malaria around the world in 2021, the World Health Organization estimates. It is most common in tropical climates.
Anopheles mosquitoes
Before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel, the CDC had tracked hundreds of malaria cases reported to the agency in the U.S. each year.
Most cases were typically reported in the summer and fall, nearly all stemming from being bitten during recent international travel. So-called "airport" malaria cases are also possible, with mosquitoes themselves traveling inside airplanes, or very rarely it may spread through contaminated blood transfusions.
Humans cannot spread malaria to others like a cold or the flu.
Mosquitoes spread malaria between people by feeding on the blood of infected humans. The parasite then replicates for weeks inside the mosquito, before being transmitted into new humans the mosquito feeds on.
While the CDC believes risk of further local spread of malaria "remains extremely low" nationwide, it acknowledged that the Anopheles mosquitoes that can spread malaria are found in much of the country.
"Consider the diagnosis of malaria in any person with a fever of unknown origin, regardless of international travel history, particularly if they have been to the areas with recent locally acquired malaria," the CDC urged in its advisory.
Authorities raced to trap and test Anopheles mosquitoes during the country's last local outbreak of malaria in 2003, among residents of Florida's Palm Beach County, while ramping up efforts to curb mosquito populations.
At the time, that had been the first "outbreak of malaria with extended transmission" reported anywhere in the country since 1986. But none of the mosquitoes collected showed evidence of the parasite in CDC testing.
"This outbreak demonstrates the potential for reintroduction of malaria into the United States despite intensive surveillance, vector-control activities, and local public health response to educate clinicians and the community," CDC officials wrote at the time.
- In:
- Mosquitoes
CBS News reporter covering public health and the pandemic.
veryGood! (3642)
Related
- Former West Virginia jail officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in fatal assault on inmate
- Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, known for bringing victims to pig farm, dead after prison assault
- LGBTQ representation in government is growing but still disproportionate: Graphics explain
- Zhilei Zhang knocks out Deontay Wilder: Round-by-round fight analysis
- Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
- The muted frenzy in the courtroom when Donald Trump was convicted of felonies in New York
- Jack in the Box tackles fast-food inflation by launching $4 munchies menu
- Coco Gauff says late finishes for tennis matches are 'not healthy' for players
- What Republicans are saying about Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general
- Ava Phillippe Revisits Past Remarks About Sexuality and Gender to Kick Off Pride Month
Ranking
- DWTS’ Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten Have the Best Reaction to Fans Hoping for a Romance
- Austin Cindric scores stunning NASCAR win at Gateway when Ryan Blaney runs out of gas
- Swimmer injured by shark attack on Southern California coast
- From tracking your bag to VPN, 7 tech tips for a smooth vacation
- NFL Week 11 picks straight up and against spread: Will Bills hand Chiefs first loss of season?
- More women made the list of top paid CEOs in 2023, but their numbers are still small compared to men
- Beloved surfboard-stealing otter spotted again off Northern California shore
- Dozens more former youth inmates sue over alleged sexual abuse at Illinois detention centers
Recommendation
-
Song Jae-lim, Moon Embracing the Sun Actor, Dead at 39
-
With home prices up more than 50%, some states try to contain property taxes
-
Simone Biles continues Olympic prep by cruising to her 9th U.S. Championships title
-
Arizona police officer killed, another injured in shooting at Gila River Indian Community
-
King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
-
A 'very emotional' ABBA reunites to receive Swedish royal honors: See the photos
-
Boeing Starliner has another launch scrubbed for technical issue: What to know
-
Tallahassee mayor says cost from May 10 tornadoes now tops $50 million as city seeks federal aid