Fears of a malaria outbreak are growing after cases were detected in the United States in patients who did not travel abroad before becoming sick.
Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Despite progress in combating malaria, it remains a major global health concern, particularly in Africa.
The three new cases mark the first time in 20 years that the potentially deadly illness has been contracted in the US, experts said.
Two people in Florida and one in Texas have caught the disease caused by a mosquito-borne parasite.
Officials were alarmed upon learning that the cases were not acquired overseas, meaning a mosquito in the US was carrying the disease.
It's important to know the signs and symptoms or Malaria and how to reduce your risk.
How to Avoid Malaria
Malaria is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito. It can take just 1 bite to get it.
The infection is very common in certain parts of the world.
It's found in tropical regions, including:
- large areas of Africa and Asia
- Central and South America
- Dominican Republic and Haiti
- parts of the Middle East
- some Pacific islands
If you're travelling to an area where malaria is found, get advice from a GP, nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic before you go.
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk. This includes:
- Using mosquito repellents containing DEET and wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially during dusk and dawn to reduce mosquito bites.
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, which provide an additional layer of protection against mosquito bites.
- Removing stagnant water sources and ensure windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces.
- Considering taking prophylactic medication if traveling to regions with a high risk of malaria transmission.
Symptoms and Signs:
Malaria typically presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as organ failure, anemia, respiratory distress, and coma.
These symptoms usually appear between 7 and 18 days after you've been bitten by an infected mosquito.
But sometimes you may not have symptoms for months after travel, and rarely years.
Impact on the Human Body
Malaria parasites invade red blood cells, multiplying within them and causing the cells to rupture and release more parasites.
This cyclical process leads to recurring bouts of fever and damages vital organs, including the liver and spleen.
Severe cases, especially caused by the Plasmodium falciparum species, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Malaria Risk in the UK and US
In the UK, malaria is primarily an imported disease, affecting individuals who have traveled to or immigrated from malaria-endemic regions.
Malaria transmission does not occur within the UK due to the absence of the necessary mosquito vectors.
The risk in the US is also low, with most reported cases being travel-related.
However, there is increased monitoring of malaria given the recent cases found this month (June, 2023).
Nearly all cases of malaria in the US come from people who were exposed to mosquitoes carrying the parasite while traveling abroad.
With these three local cases come concerns that mosquitoes in the US could be spreading the disease to other residents.
"It’s always worrisome that you have local transmission in an area," University of Florida entomologist Estelle Martin told Vox.
Treatment for Malaria
Malaria is an emergency and needs to be treated quickly. It's treated with antimalarial medicines.
Get medical advice quickly if you have malaria symptoms while you're travelling.
Some people will stay in hospital to have specialist care and treatment.
Malaria can sometimes come back and will need to be treated again if this happens.
