Title: Locally Acquired Malaria Cases in the US Prompt CDC’s Warning for Domestic Diagnoses
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[City], Guam – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about the possibility of malaria diagnoses in the United States, even for those who haven’t traveled internationally. Recent cases of locally transmitted mosquito-borne malaria have prompted the CDC to issue an update urging Americans not to rule out the disease as a potential diagnosis.
Infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Obinna Nnedu from Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana, shed light on the matter, explaining that Anopheles mosquitoes, notorious for transmitting malaria, breed in stagnant water and tend to bite humans during evenings and at night.
The CDC’s report underscores the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment, particularly for the severe form of malaria caused by the species P. falciparum. Between June and August 2023, distinct cases of locally transmitted malaria emerged in Florida, Texas, and Maryland. These cases were unrelated, involving a different species, P. vivax, which generally causes a milder form of the disease.
The occurrences this year mark the first instances of local malaria transmission in the US since 2003 when Palm Beach County, Florida, reported cases. While malaria is primarily transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes, it can also spread through pregnancy, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or unsafe needle-sharing practices.
Common symptoms of malaria include fevers, body aches, headaches, shortness of breath, and in some cases, recurring fevers every other day. Proper and early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications or severe cases.
Microscopy, which involves examining a blood smear under a microscope, is considered the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic tests are also available.
To combat the transmission of malaria, the CDC emphasizes preventive measures such as removing standing water from outdoor containers, using mosquito nets on windows and doors, and applying mosquito repellent containing at least 20% DEET when outdoors.
The CDC reassures the general population that the risk of contracting malaria within the US remains very low, with the majority of cases occurring among international travelers, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia. On average, only 5-10 deaths are reported in the US every year due to malaria.
As the summer months approach, it is advisable for Americans to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against mosquito bites, even in non-endemic areas. Early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent the spread of malaria within local communities.
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