Contact:
Christopher Tittel, Public Information Officer
Florida Department of Health-Manatee County
Christopher.Tittel@flhealth.gov
(941) 720-6145

Manatee County, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Manatee County (DOH-Sarasota and DOH-Manatee) is responding to one confirmed case of malaria among an individual who spent extensive time outdoors. The patient was promptly treated at a hospital and has recovered. DOH is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

This case has been identified as the P. vivax species of malaria, which is not as fatal as other species. Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Only infected Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.

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. 

To protect yourself from any mosquito-borne illness, take the following prevention steps:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

To help reduce the population of mosquitoes around your home, please drain and cover areas around your home. Mosquitoes reproduce in freshwater from rainstorms, sprinklers and other sources. Drain pools of freshwater around your home and yard. Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires, and anything where freshwater has accumulated.

Residents of Sarasota County and Manatee County should contact their local government for more information about specific mosquito control.

More information on mosquito prevention in Florida can be found here, which also contains materials for local partners to display or distribute in their communities. More information about malaria worldwide can be found through the CDC.

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About the Florida Department of Health

Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community eff
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