This week, the Florida Department of Health announced that a statewide mosquito-borne illness alert had been issued in response to four malaria cases in Sarasota. After the Florida cases and one Texas case, which are the first cases of locally transmitted malaria in the United States since 2003, the Centers for Disease Control in the United States also issued an alert. The four people who became ill in Sarasota after being bitten by mosquitoes that carry disease have all recovered. Every one of the four patients were contaminated with P. vivax intestinal sickness. State health officials claim that it causes fewer fatalities than other species. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, a high temperature, and chills are all signs of malaria. The state advised that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention within 24 hours.
The state’s health department is urging everyone to use bug spray, stay away from mosquito-infested areas, and wear long pants and shirts whenever possible, especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Other people can’t spread malaria; only mosquitoes can. When new cases are reported in the United States, they typically involve individuals who have traveled outside the country. Yet, these five cases were privately sent. The health departments in Sarasota and Manatee counties will continue to collaborate with local partners and county mosquito control to carry out aerial and ground spraying in an effort to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
After another malaria case was confirmed in Cameron County, Texas, which includes Brownsville and is close to the Mexican border, the CDC issued an alert. The CDC stated that there is no evidence that the cases in the two states are related. Since an outbreak in Palm Beach County in 2003, when eight cases were reported, there have been no locally transmitted malaria cases in the United States. Additionally, the following preventative measures for mosquito bites are provided by the state health department: Drain standing water from garbage cans, buckets, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, and other containers where rainwater or sprinkler water has collected. Throw away broken appliances, old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, and other items that aren’t being used. At least twice a week, empty and clean pet water bowls and birdbaths. Tarps that don’t hold water can shield cars and boats from the rain. Keep up with pools looking great and keep them fittingly chlorinated. When not in use, empty plastic swimming pools. Cover your skin with clothing: wear long pants, socks, and shoes. People who have to work in areas with mosquitoes may require this kind of protection. Repellent: Apply a repellent to clothing and bare skin. Always follow the label when using repellents. DEET, picaridin, eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanoate, and IR3535 are effective repellents. Use mosquito mesh to safeguard kids more youthful than 2 months old. Screens can be used to cover windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Repair damaged screening on patios, windows, doors, and porches. TIPS FOR USING MOSQUITO REPELLENT Before using a repellent, be sure to carefully follow the directions on the label regarding the permitted application. Children should not use some repellents. To ensure that the repellent is suitable for children, read the label’s instructions. Mosquito repellents containing para-menthane-diol or oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be applied to children under the age of three. DEET should not be given to babies under the age of two months. Avoid using repellents on children’s hands. Before applying the repellent to the child’s skin and clothing, adults should first apply it to their own hands. Use an insect repellent that contains picaridin, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, DEET (10–30%), oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Most of the time, you can find these items at your neighborhood pharmacy. On the label of the product, look for a list of the active ingredients. Apply insect repellent to skin or clothing that is exposed, but not to clothing. Products containing 0.5% permethrin can be used to treat clothing and gear. Permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin. Continuously follow the producer’s bearings.
