Florida Under ‘Malaria Alert’ as More Cases of Mosquito-Borne Virus Found

Health officials say six malaria cases have been confirmed in Florida, since the first was found in early May.

The state remains under a malaria alert, after two new cases of the mosquito-borne disease were reported last week, the Miami Herald reported.

All cases were reported in Sarasota County, along the coast south of Tampa, with none so far elsewhere in the state.

All patients have been treated in hospital and are recovering, officials said.

Florida's Health Department is urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using bug sprays and wearing long clothing, especially at sunrise and sunset when the bugs are most active.

"The Department continues to work closely with local partners and county mosquito control," the Department said in a press release. "Aerial and ground mosquito spraying continues to be conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission."

Earlier this month, experts told The Messenger that the disease was likely brought into the state by a tourist.

One other case was discovered in Cameron County in Texas, but the CDC does not believe they are connected.

It also says the likelihood of contracting malaria in the United States is extremely low.

NBC News reported that two key health positions in Governor Ron DeSantis' administration are sitting empty and they are key to monitoring diseases like malaria.

The Messenger approached the Governor's office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The disease has not been diagnosed locally in the country in 20 years

"There’s no reason to believe that other areas are at a higher risk than usual for local malaria transmission," the CDC said in its latest update. "The key remains early detection and treatment of imported human cases to minimize the risk of onward transmission."

Florida Health said anyone with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting and headache should seek immediate medical attention, and that all cases must be registered with authorities.