Malaria Case Reported, Mosquito Advisory In Place: FL Dept. Of Health

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — A malaria case was recently reported in the Suncoast area, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The patient is someone "who spent extensive time outdoors," the FDOH said. They were treated at a local hospital and have recovered.

The case was identified as the P. vivaz species, which isn't as fatal as other malaria species, the agency said.

FDOH has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory in the counties and is working with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is underway in both counties to mitigate the spread of malaria, the agency said.

Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Only infected Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.

Treatment is available through hospitals and other health care providers. Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea or vomiting, and a headache should seek immediate medical attention, FDOH said.

The agency offers the following tips for prevention of mosquito-borne illness:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10 to 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 mosquitos, residents are asked to:

• Drain and cover areas around their home where water might accumulate.
• Drain pools of freshwater around the home and yard.
• Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires and anything where freshwater has accumulated.

Mosquitoes reproduce in freshwater from rainstorms, sprinklers and other source, FDOH said.

Residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties should contact their local government for more information about specific mosquito control.