New Jersey officials are investigating a reported case of malaria in Morris County, and the possibility that the resident was infected locally.
State health and environmental officials say the resident, whose condition was not disclosed, has no history of international travel.
If confirmed, it would be the first locally acquired case of the mosquito-borne disease in the Garden State since 1991, officials said.
“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey,” acting state Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said in a statement. “The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers.”
About 100 travel-associated Malaria cases are reported annually in New Jersey, according to the state health department.
Locally acquired cases typically occur when a mosquito bites a person infected with travel-associated malaria and then bites another person, passing along the infection.
Globally, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths in 83 countries in 2023, according to the World Health Organization.
Malaria causes fevers, chills, headaches, fatigue and intestinal discomfort, and it’s typically associated with the tropics.
In most cases, symptoms arise seven to 30 days after exposure. Malaria can be cured with prescription antimalarial drugs, but it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
The health department is urging people to use repellent and to cover their arms and legs while traveling to countries where malaria is common. Residents are also being advised to eliminate standing water on their properties.
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