MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Manatee County is responding to one confirmed case of malaria.
The patient was promptly treated at a hospital and has recovered. Officials said that person spent extensive time outdoors.
The Department of Health is working closely with county mosquito control.
Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.
The malaria case has been identified as the P. vivax species of malaria, which is not as fatal as other species. Malaria is not transmitted from person to person.
Only infected Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.
Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other health care providers.
Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting and headache should seek immediate medical attention. To protect yourself from any mosquito-borne illness, take the following prevention steps:
- Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
To help reduce the population of mosquitoes around your home, please:
- Drain and cover areas around your home. Mosquitoes reproduce in freshwater from rainstorms, sprinklers and other sources.
- Drain pools of freshwater around your home and yard.
- Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires, and anything where freshwater has accumulated.
More information on mosquito prevention in Florida can be found here: https://www.floridahealth.gov/…/mosquito-bo…/prevention.html
More information about malaria worldwide can be found through the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html
Please contact Manatee Mosquito Control with any questions: 941-981-3895.