Maryland reports local malaria case.

Maryland reports local malaria case.

Locally Acquired Malaria Case Reported in Maryland after 40 Years

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There has been a recent case of locally acquired malaria in Maryland, marking the first occurrence in the state in 40 years. This news comes as a surprise, especially after seven locally acquired infections in Florida and one in Texas were previously reported. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there is no evidence connecting these cases.

The Maryland Health Department is taking this matter seriously and has vowed to work closely with both local and federal health officials for a thorough investigation. Laura Herrera Scott, the secretary of the Maryland Health Department, expressed their commitment in a statement. The patient, who has not recently traveled outside the United States, is currently hospitalized and recovering.

According to Dr. David Blythe, director of the health department’s infectious disease division, the patient had been admitted to the hospital with symptoms including fever and sweating. Dr. Blythe theorized that a mosquito may have acquired malaria from someone who had acquired it while traveling and transmitted it to the Maryland patient through a bite.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, is considered rare in the United States and was officially eliminated nationwide in 1951. However, each year, there are still over 2,000 reported cases of malaria in the country, almost all of which are acquired by travelers overseas. The CDC emphasizes the importance of prompt treatment to prevent fatalities resulting from the disease.

The cases in Florida and Texas have all been reported since May, according to the CDC. Although these recent cases may cause concern, it is crucial to maintain perspective. Malaria remains relatively uncommon in the United States, and the healthcare and public health systems are well-equipped to handle such situations.

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