Malaria Outbreaks in Florida and Texas Mark First U.S. Spread in 20 Years

Malaria cases are extremely rare in the U.S. Most Americans who suffer from the disease contract it from infected mosquitoes while traveling and don't realize it until they return home. But for the first time in 20 years, malaria has been spreading locally in the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an emergency alert on June 26 about locally acquired malaria cases in the U.S. Over the past two months, four cases have been found in Florida and a fifth was logged in Texas. None of the patients have traveled internationally, marking the first local spread of malaria in the U.S. since 2003. Notably, those previous cases of local transmission were also in south Florida.

The developments are disturbing given the potential rise in imported cases presented by the summer travel season. On top of that, scientists have been worried about climate change's potential effects on mosquitoes and malaria as global temperatures continue to rise.

A 2021 study published in The Lancet found that changing climate will create more suitable conditions for mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria and dengue.

"Rising global mean temperature will increase the climatic suitability of both diseases particularly in already endemic areas," the study's authors wrote. "The predicted expansion toward higher altitudes and temperature regions suggests that outbreaks can occur in areas where people might be immunologically naive and public health systems unprepared." According to researchers, malaria and dengue will be higher in densely populated urban areas in the Americas, as well as Africa and Southeast Asia.

Malaria can be fatal but is preventable and curable. The Florida Department of Health released an update on June 26 detailing the condition of those affected in the state; all four individuals have been treated for the disease and made a full recovery. Texas, meanwhile, is continuing to monitor the situation after one resident fell ill with the disease after working outside. Officials noted that the chances of catching malaria remain extremely low at the current moment.

As the summer starts to heat up, it might be wise to follow CDC guidance and lather yourself up with bug spray on top of your sunscreen.