Work

Outbreak of Locally Acquired Mosquito-Transmitted (Autochthonous) Malaria — Florida and Texas, May–July 2023

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Eight cases of locally acquired, mosquito-transmitted (i.e., autochthonous) Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has not been reported in the United States since 2003, were reported to CDC from state health departments in Florida and Texas during May 18-July 17, 2023.As of August 4, 2023, case surveillance, mosquito surveillance and control activities, and public outreach and education activities continue in both states.U.S. clinicians need to consider a malaria diagnosis in patients with unexplained fever, especially in areas where autochthonous malaria has been recently reported, although the risk for autochthonous malaria in the United States remains very low.Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria can prevent severe disease or death and limit ongoing transmission to local Anopheles mosquitoes and other persons.Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes at home can prevent mosquitoborne diseases, including malaria.Before traveling internationally to areas with endemic malaria, travelers should consult with a health care provider regarding recommended malaria prevention measures, including potentially taking malaria prophylaxis.Malaria is a nationally notifiable disease; continued reporting of malaria cases to jurisdictional health departments and CDC will also help ensure robust surveillance to detect and prevent autochthonous malaria in the United States.* These authors contributed equally to this report. Investigation and ResultsOn May 18, 2023, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) requested telediagnosis assistance from DPDx, CDC's interactive parasitic diseases website (https://www. cdc.gov/dpdx/index.html), to confirm Plasmodium species in a patient with suspected malaria who had no known risk factors (i.e., history of international travel, intravenous drug use, INSIDE 979 Health Care Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Adult Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Recommendations -United States,

Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7236a1