Florida Department of Health issues malaria advisory

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals were treated and recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Residents throughout the state should take precautions by applying bug spray, draining and preventing standing water, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible - especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The cause of malaria in these cases has been identified as the Plasmodium vivax species. Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other health care providers. Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention. 

DOH is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control as aerial and ground mosquito spraying continues to be conducted in areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.  

​Residents can do the following to help prevent bites and mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. 
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
• Wear long pants and shirts especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

• Apply mosquito repellent appropriately.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

• Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate: 
  • Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three years.
  • DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
  • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
  • Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

DOH is continuing statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. To assist, residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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