New Jersey Reports First Local Malaria Case in Over 30 Years

New Jersey might have seen its first malaria case in more than three decades, and interestingly, it appears to have originated from local mosquitoes rather than travelers from tropical regions, according to state officials.

The affected individuals reside in Morris County, as noted by the New Jersey Department of Health.

Since these patients haven’t traveled outside the U.S., authorities are now looking into how they contracted this mosquito-borne illness.

“While the risk to the general public is considered low, it’s crucial to take measures to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey,” said Acting Chairman Jeff Brown. He further emphasized that the best way to protect oneself is to avoid mosquito bites and ensure early diagnosis and treatment for those returning from affected areas.

The symptoms of malaria can include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s notable that symptoms might take up to a month to develop after exposure.

In New Jersey, there are around 100 travel-related malaria cases reported each year. Typically, locally acquired cases arise when a mosquito bites someone who is infected after returning from travel, thereby passing on the disease.

Although the enzyme species of mosquitoes that can spread malaria are found in three regions, officials maintain that the risk of locally acquired malaria is still relatively low.

This year, outside of New York City, New York state has reported 31 malaria cases, all contracted abroad.

The last locally acquired malaria case in New York City was recorded back in 1993.

In 2020, due to pandemic-related travel limits, New York experienced 58 malaria cases. Just two years ago, there were 346 reported cases in NYC, linked to a significant influx of new immigrants to the area.

Malaria can indeed be treated with prescription antimalarial medications, but if not caught early, it can turn life-threatening. Most malaria cases are commonly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, but the disease can also be contracted in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, and some areas of Oceania.