Press Release
JULY 29th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: Division of Epidemiology and Disease
Control
PHONE:561-
840-4566
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Dear Resident:
A staff member from your Palm Beach County Health Department was here to visit you because of our concern about a recent case of malaria in your area. Please review the information below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (561) 840-4566. Thank you!
Human Malaria Fact Sheet
What Is Malaria?
Malaria in humans is a disease caused by any one of four species of microscopic protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium which is distributed throughout the world. Although malaria disappeared as a significant problem in the US by the mid-1950's, it is still one of the most important communicable diseases on a worldwide basis.
How Is Malaria Spread?
The parasite is transmitted from person to person by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes generally bite between dusk and dawn. The malaria parasite inhabits the human red blood cells where it then multiplies.
What Are The Symptoms Of Infection?
Overall symptoms may start with headache, aching in the bones, anorexia, and sometimes vomiting. One may feel like the flu is coming on. This is followed by chills, teeth chattering and then sensations of heat with high fever and sweating, usually in a repeating cycle. The length of time between becoming infected and developing symptoms may be as early as seven (7) days or as long as several months.
What Should You Do If You Think You May Be Infected?
If you experience any of the above symptoms and have been in an area were malaria was reported, see your doctor immediately. Malaria can be treated effectively, particularly in the early stages. Clinically, the malaria infection varies from a moderately severe to a highly fatal illness, depending on the species of parasite, the human's condition and how soon the patient receives treatment. If insufficiently treated a malaria infection may persist in a person for many months or years and have a periodically renewed ability to infect mosquitoes, often in the absence of symptoms or with a less severe illness.
How Is Infection Prevented?
To avoid risk of malaria, avoid mosquito bites - it is that simple! Humans cannot get malaria from wild animals, domestic animals or pets. Transmission of malaria from human to human is accomplished by Anopheles mosquitoes or by reuse of needles contaminated with the blood of an infected person. Avoid mosquito bites by staying out of mosquito-infested areas, securing window screens, and by applying a repellent containing DEET according to manufacturers recommendation. Most repellents on today's market contain DEET. DO NOT OVER-APPLY DEET-containing repellent, as this may cause side effects. Some adults have skin reactions to overexposure to DEET, and, in rare cases, children dosed heavily have experienced serious neurological problems, including slurred speech, confusion, seizures and comas. Misapplication of DEET can lead to symptoms similar to malaria and the result could be worse than malaria. PLEASE USE DEET WITH CAUTION.
Palm Beach County Health Department, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control, 561-840-4566
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