Two malaria cases recorded in Sarasota and Manatee counties

The Florida Department of Health offices in Manatee and Sarasota counties issued a mosquito-borne illness alert Monday, saying two cases of malaria have been recorded.

The first case was confirmed on May 26, and the person contracting the disease has since recovered. Another case has since been contracted, and the infected person is being treated.

Officials did not report if the cases were found in Manatee County or Sarasota County.

A press release issued on Monday by the two counties said, "Residents in these areas should take precautions, such as wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, applying bug spray, and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active."

The release said the health departments are working closely with the mosquito control departments of both counties. It said aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

The health departments noted malaria is not transmitted from person-to-person and only from anopheles mosquitoes to humans. According to the release, the documented cases have been the P. vivax species of malaria, which is not as fatal as other species. The release said "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."

The health agencies recommend that the public works to drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. 

DOH-Sarasota and DOH-Manatee continue to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover.”

For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov, or call 861-2873.