SARASOTA (SNN TV) – A malaria case is confirmed in Sarasota.
According to the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Manatee County, this person spent “extensive time outdoors” and has recovered after being treated at a hospital.
The department gave no other information on the circumstances of the case, including when and where it occurred, according to the Herald-Tribune.
Health officials say they’re working with local governments and county mosquito control, including conducting aerial and ground mosquito spraying.
This Malaria strain was identified as the P. vivax species is not considered as fatal as others.
The CDC reports between 1,500 to 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed nationwide each year. It can’t be spread between people — only via infected mosquitos.
Since wearing long sleeves and pants can be difficult in the summer, use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane–diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
