Washington: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert on Monday after five malaria cases were confirmed, the first locally acquired cases of the disease in the US in 20 years.
The CDC said that while four cases of the mosquito-borne disease were confirmed in Florida and one in Texas, the cases in the two states do not appear to be related.
“All patients have been treated and are in stable condition,” it said. Florida issued a mosquito-borne disease alert after cases in Sarasota County and Manatee County, asking residents to There are warnings to drain standing water, where mosquitoes can breed, and to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Texas issued a health advisory after a resident who worked outside in Cameron County was diagnosed. The Texas Department of Health said that no more cases have been identified so far.
Top 10 Malaria Prevention Tips
- Use insect repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin.
- Wear protective clothing: Cover your body with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize mosquito bites.
- Sleep under mosquito nets: Use bed nets treated with insecticides, especially during sleeping hours.
- Eliminate stagnant water: Remove any standing water around your living area to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened areas: Mosquitoes are less likely to enter buildings with sealed windows and doors.
- Take antimalarial medication: If traveling to a malaria-endemic area, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate preventive medication.
- Be aware of peak mosquito activity: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so take extra precautions during these times.
- Cover doors and windows: Install screens or use mosquito-proofing methods to keep mosquitoes out of your living space.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the symptoms of malaria and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any.
- Support community efforts: Engage in local initiatives to control mosquitoes, such as insecticide spraying and environmental management.
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