Malaria in the US 2023: What You Need to Know

Malaria, a serious and potentially fatal illness, has been documented in the United States. It is often transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Due to cases of individuals contracting Plasmodium vivax malaria in Florida and Texas despite not having been abroad, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health caution. No one can contract malaria from another.

These parasites invade red blood cells, leading to fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Without timely treatment, the infection can worsen, resulting in organ failure, coma, or death.

Malaria is found in many parts of the world, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. Although historically, malaria has been found in many other parts of the world. The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are still present in the US today.

It was eliminated in the US in 1951 through public health efforts. Most cases are now imported from endemic countries; however, sometimes, the disease is brought back to the US by mosquitoes or travelers who are already infected.

Preventing Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is not endemic in the United States. However, there are still cases of malaria reported in the US each year, mostly in travelers who have returned from countries where malaria is common.

(Photo : by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Health officials at Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services study specimens of anopheles mosquitoes that cause malaria, in Sarasota, Florida on June 30, 2023. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert June 26 after five cases of malaria were confirmed, the first locally acquired cases of the disease in the United States in 20 years

There are a number of things you can do to prevent malaria and mosquito bites in the US:

Use insect repellent. Choose an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, and reapply as directed.
Wear long sleeves and pants. This will help protect your skin from mosquito bites.
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
Sleep under a mosquito net. This is especially important if you are traveling to a country where malaria is common.
Check for mosquito bites. If you do get bitten by a mosquito, check the bite for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain.

If you are traveling to a country where malaria is common, you should talk to your doctor about taking malaria medication. Malaria medication can help prevent you from getting malaria, but it is important to take it as directed.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent mosquito bites in the US:

Empty and scrub standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it is important to empty and scrub any containers that hold water, such as buckets, birdbaths, and flowerpots.
Repair holes in screens. Mosquitoes can enter your home through holes in screens, so it is important to repair any holes as soon as possible.
Use air conditioning. Air conditioning can help to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from malaria and mosquito bites in the US.