The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide advisory for mosquito-borne illnesses after confirming four local cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All affected individuals have received treatment and recovered, according to the department. Malaria is spread by infected mosquitoes, and officials are urging residents across Florida to take precautions such as using insect repellent, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long clothing—especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
Efforts to reduce further transmission include ongoing aerial and ground mosquito spraying in affected areas. The recent malaria cases were caused by the Plasmodium vivax species, which is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The department stated that effective treatment is available through hospitals and other healthcare providers. Anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, chills, sweats, nausea or vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention.
The department emphasized personal protection measures known as “Drain and Cover.” Residents are encouraged to drain standing water from items such as garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, toys, flowerpots, birdbaths, pet bowls, old tires, appliances not in use, boats protected with tarps that don’t accumulate water, and plastic swimming pools when not in use. Maintaining swimming pools with proper chlorination is also advised.
To keep mosquitoes out of homes, the department recommends covering doors and windows with screens and repairing any broken screening on windows or patios.
For skin protection outdoors where mosquitoes may be present, people should wear shoes, socks, long pants and sleeves. Insect repellents containing DEET or other approved ingredients can be applied following label directions. Repellents should not be used under clothing or on children’s hands; parents should apply it to their own hands before transferring it to children’s skin or clothes. Some products are not suitable for young children—repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under three years old; DEET is not recommended for those younger than two months.
Statewide surveillance continues for various mosquito-borne illnesses including West Nile virus infections and dengue. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as part of these efforts.
The Florida Department of Health remains nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board as it works toward improving health outcomes through integrated efforts at state and community levels.
"Today, Florida Department of Health (Department) is issuing a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County," the department announced.
"The Department continues to work closely with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying continues to be conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission."
"In Florida, Malaria is transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The cause of malaria in these cases has been identified as the Plasmodium vivax species. 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 Department advises the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to 'Drain and Cover.'"
"For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov."