Malaria Resurfaces in Florida: What You Need to Know Mosquito Prevention

Since the 1950s, malaria has been largely irradicated in the United States; however, there are still about 2,000 confirmed cases annually in the US. These cases are commonly linked to people who have traveled internationally to countries where malaria is still a concern. Recently, four people in Florida and one in Texas have contracted malaria with no ties to recent international travel. This leads many to the question: Do I need to be concerned about malaria in Florida? 

Understanding Malaria

Malaria is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease transmitted through bites from infected female mosquitoes. It is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. The symptoms of malaria infection are often similar to those of the flu, including fever, chills, headache, nausea and muscle aches. If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications, affecting vital organs and causing anemia, respiratory distress, and even death. 

You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you exhibit malaria symptoms or have been exposed to malaria.

Should I be Concerned?

The recent cases of malaria in Florida are a rise for concern and bring this disease close to home. Even though malaria has been mostly eradicated in the United States, these cases underline the importance of routine mosquito prevention and extermination to prevent malaria from returning, especially in Florida. Our warm and humid climate provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

To protect yourself and your family from malaria or other mosquito transmitted diseases, it is important to be vigilant about mosquito protection and control. At All Florida Pest Control, we offer comprehensive mosquito control services to keep the mosquito population in check and your family safe.  

How to Prevent Mosquitoes

Mosquitos are known to transmit a variety of diseases including Zika, malaria, yellow fever and West Nile virus. Protecting yourself and your family from any mosquito-transmitted illness is of utmost importance. Below are proven ways to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes:

• When outdoors, use insect repellent with DEET or Picardian. These repellants are extremely effective at keeping mosquitos away from people.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from bites.
• Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, so eliminating these breeding spots will help protect your home and family from mosquitoes.
• Ensure all open doors and windows have screens. Regularly inspect these screens and repair any holes mosquitoes could use to get inside.
• Contact your local mosquito extermination company. Routine mosquito extermination will stop mosquitoes from taking up residence in your yard.

Keep Mosquitoes Away With All Florida Pest Control

With confirmed cases of malaria reemerging, there has never been a more critical time to address mosquito prevention. Mosquito extermination services, like those from All Florida Pest Control, can target mosquito breeding sites, reducing their population and keeping your yard mosquito free.

With All Florida Pest Control’s expertise in safe and effective mosquito control, you can enjoy your yard without the risk of malaria. Contact us today to schedule your mosquito extermination service and keep Florida safe and malaria-free!