New Jersey well being officers mentioned they’re investigating what could possibly be the state’s first domestically acquired case of malaria in additional than three a long time.
The New Jersey departments of Well being and Environmental Safety introduced Monday they’re trying right into a case of malaria reported in a Morris County, N.J., resident who has no latest historical past of touring outdoors america.
Whereas roughly 100 instances of malaria are reported in New Jersey annually, the Morris County resident could be the primary domestically acquired case reported within the state since 1991.
The state well being officers mentioned they’re working carefully with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention “to investigate potential sources of infection,” however “it is possible the resident was infected with malaria in New Jersey.”
Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes and is brought on by a parasite. The illness will be transmitted when a mosquito bites an contaminated particular person, buying the parasite, after which bites one other particular person, infecting them.
Anopheles mosquitos are present in New Jersey, however well being officers mentioned the danger to most of the people of non-travel associated malaria stays low. The illness is widespread in tropical areas.
“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey. The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers,” appearing New Jersey Well being Commissioner Jeff Brown mentioned in an announcement.
“Anyone traveling to countries with widespread malaria should take appropriate steps to prevent malaria while traveling and monitor for symptoms,” he added.
“I urge the public to continue taking steps to eliminate standing water around their properties, which will go a long way to reducing the risk of mosquito breeding.”
New Jersey Environmental Safety Commissioner Shawn LaTourette inspired the general public to protect in opposition to mosquito bites by eliminating or protecting standing water like birdbaths and swimming pools.
“As the summer winds down, taking this simple but necessary step will help ensure quality of life and protect public health,” LaTourette mentioned.
Malaria typically causes fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, and it could additionally trigger nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Signs normally seem inside seven to 30 days of publicity to the illness. There are prescription antimalarial medicine however, if not handled rapidly, the illness will be life-threatening.
The event of malaria vaccines has been sluggish, however the World Well being Group started recommending widespread use of a vaccine in kids who stay in sub-Saharan Africa and different areas with excessive transmission.
