A rare locally acquired malaria case has been reported in New Jersey, sparking an investigation by state officials. The NJ Department of Health and Environmental Protection confirmed the resident’s infection was likely acquired from homegrown mosquitoes.
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which invades tissues and eventually infects red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, chills, and flu-like illnesses, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Once a common threat in the US, particularly during warmer months, malaria was eradicated through public health campaigns by the 1950s. However, with the potential for its comeback, officials are taking notice of recent cases.
Two previous locally acquired cases have been reported in Florida and Washington state this year alone. Although malaria’s risk to the public is considered minimal, preventing mosquito bites remains crucial due to other diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and dengue fever.
Residents can reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water around their homes, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/possible-local-malaria-case-found-in-new-jersey-heres-what-to-know-2000644911