New Jersey Investigates Rare Locally Acquired Malaria Case

Potential Locally Acquired Malaria Case

• 📌 New Jersey health officials are investigating a rare case of malaria in a Morris County resident who has not recently traveled.
• ⚠️ If confirmed, this would be the first locally acquired malaria case in New Jersey since 1991.

How Malaria Spreads Locally

• 🦟 Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of a specific type of mosquito.
• 💡 The suspected transmission method involves a local mosquito biting an infected traveler and then subsequently biting a non-traveler.

Prevention and Symptoms

• 💧 To prevent mosquito bites, officials recommend eliminating standing water on properties, covering pools, and using EPA-registered insect repellent.
• 👕 Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks outdoors can also help prevent bites.
• 🤒 Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing 7 to 30 days after exposure.

Treatment and Outlook

• ✅ Malaria is curable with early diagnosis and effective antimalarial drugs.
• 🏥 The patient in this case has been treated and released from the hospital.