CDC Issues Malaria Warning

The announcement came after a Plasmodium falciparum infection was discovered in Maryland.

The CDC released its second malaria advisory of the season, which contains new details regarding domestically acquired illnesses, such as the case in Maryland induced by the mosquito-borne parasite related to the worst form of the illness.

A case of Plasmodium falciparum, which may swiftly lead to serious sickness and death if not properly recognized and treated, was first recorded in Maryland this year in an inhabitant of the National Capital Region. Locally transmitted episodes of malaria in Florida and Texas previously included Plasmodium vivax.

Seven instances have been documented in Florida so far this summer, while Texas has identified just one. Neither state has had any new patients since the middle of July.

Educating medical professionals

Patients with a history of overseas travel, as well as those with inexplicable fever, should have malaria considered as a cause of their symptoms because of the fast worsening that may occur in those affected by P. falciparum. Under these circumstances, the CDC stressed the need of treating malaria as an emergency medical condition.

All patients with community-acquired infections in the United States have been successfully treated so far. Additional cases will be monitored in all three states, and measures to reduce mosquito populations will be maintained at a higher level.

However, the danger of malaria increases in locations where Anopheles mosquitoes persist throughout the year particularly in areas with a significant population of foreign travellers.

 

Source: cidrap.umn.edu