The Florida Department of Health has confirmed one case of malaria in Sarasota, and is taking measures to prevent further transmissions. The person who had malaria locally spent extensive time outdoors and has since been treated and recovered. The department is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control to conduct aerial and ground mosquito spraying in the area. The specific case of malaria was identified as the P. vivax species, which is not as fatal as other species. Effective treatment is available through hospitals and other health care providers. Residents are urged to use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and check and repair screens on doors and windows to reduce the mosquito population.
As detailed in local health officials, a case of malaria has been confirmed in Sarasota, Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota and Manatee counties said that the person who contracted malaria spent “extensive” time outdoors, but has since been treated and recovered. The department is now working closely with local partners and county mosquito control to prevent any further transmissions.
Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted in the area to prevent the spread of the disease. The specific case of malaria was identified as the “P. vivax species,” which is not as fatal as other species. However, only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans, and effective treatment is available through hospitals and other healthcare providers.
Health officials are urging anyone with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache to seek medical attention immediately. They also advise using mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 to protect oneself from mosquito-borne illnesses. Additionally, wearing long sleeves and pants and checking and repairing screens on doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from entering the home.
Residents are also encouraged to drain any areas around their homes to help reduce the mosquito population. Mosquitoes reproduce in freshwater from rainstorms, sprinklers, and other s.
Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, chills, and flu-like illness, and in severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. While malaria is not common in the United States, travelers to certain areas of the world where the disease is prevalent are at risk of contracting it.
In the case of Sarasota, health officials are taking swift action to prevent the spread of the disease. By conducting aerial and ground mosquito spraying and educating residents on how to protect themselves, they hope to minimize the risk of further transmissions.
To conclude everything, the confirmation of a case of malaria in Sarasota highlights the importance of taking precautions to protect oneself from mosquito-borne illnesses. Health officials advise using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking and repairing screens on doors and windows. By taking these simple steps, residents can help reduce the mosquito population and prevent the spread of diseases like malaria.
Photo Credit: images.foxtv.com