7th malaria case confirmed in Sarasota: see which areas are most at risk
All cases occurred in North Sarasota, prompting health officials to focus their efforts on the DeSoto-Akers and Kensington Park areas.
SARASOTA, Florida. Sarasota County health officials are reminding residents to continue efforts to prevent mosquito bites as another case of malaria was confirmed Tuesday.
As of July 18, seven cases of local malaria have been reported in the county, which continues to be at risk from mosquitoes. All seven people have been treated and are recovering.
“Our shared message to the community continues to be prevention by preventing mosquito bites through the use of repellents, covering clothing, and reducing outdoor exposure from dusk to dawn,” the Department of Health wrote.
All cases occurred in North Sarasota, prompting health officials to focus their efforts on the DeSoto-Akers and Kensington Park areas.
These efforts include:
- Distribution of over 1,000 bug sprays and 45 mosquito nets to local homeless organizations.
- Send targeted mosquito alerts to 21,000 residents who live within a mile of each new suspected case.
- Providing educational materials in English and Spanish to community partners
The Sarasota County Mosquito Control also continues to capture and test the Anopheles mosquito, the only mosquito that transmits malaria to humans.
These cases mark the first local spread of malaria in the United States in 20 years. Approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the US each year, but the vast majority are travelers arriving from countries where the disease typically spreads.
Officials said the life cycle of malaria mosquitoes takes about four weeks. The Mosquito-borne Diseases Alert will remain in effect until six weeks pass without new cases in Sarasota County.
If you begin to experience symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, headaches, or other flu-like symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
