CDC Warns of Risk of Locally Acquired Malaria in the U.S. After Documenting Five Cases in Two Months

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Monday after documenting five cases of malaria acquired within the United States over the last two months. The cases, four in Florida and one in Texas, are the first locally acquired cases of malaria in the U.S. in 20 years.

The CDC warned that the risk of malaria throughout the country remains extremely low, but urged those suspected of having the disease to be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours.

Malaria is a serious medical emergency and should be treated accordingly, the CDC said. The agency added that there is no evidence to suggest that the cases in the two states are connected.

Each year, around 2,000 cases of malaria are reported in the U.S., with the majority of cases acquired by travelers returning from countries where the disease is endemic. The five cases reported in the last two months are the first locally acquired cases in the U.S. in 20 years.

The CDC is urging doctors, public health authorities and members of the public to be aware of the potential for locally acquired cases of malaria. The agency is also reminding people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.