For the first time in 20 years, the United States is grappling with locally transmitted malaria cases, according to the CDC. Florida has been particularly affected, with a recent case identified in Sarasota County adding to several others reported earlier this year. This brings the total number of local cases in Florida to at least six, alongside one case in Texas. While the majority of malaria cases in the US are linked to travel in regions where the disease is prevalent, these new instances mark a significant development. In Florida alone, 26 cases this year have been connected to individuals with travel history to malaria-endemic areas, along with eight cases in non-Florida residents. Various counties across Florida, including Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Sarasota and Volusia, have reported infections.

Sarasota County and Manatee County have been under a mosquito-borne illness alert, prompting extensive mosquito control efforts. Authorities are using aircraft, trucks, and ground crews to apply insecticide in affected areas. Captured mosquitoes are being sent to the CDC for analysis.

This outbreak surpasses the previous largest one in Florida's recent history, which occurred in Palm Beach County in 2003 with eight cases. Although a case has also been reported in Texas, there's currently no evidence to suggest a connection between the Florida and Texas cases. The CDC emphasizes that the overall risk of contracting locally acquired malaria in the US remains very low.

Since 1992, the US has experienced 11 outbreaks of mosquito-borne malaria. Around 2,000 malaria cases are diagnosed annually in the US, primarily among travelers returning from regions where malaria is widespread. Most imported malaria cases are typically diagnosed during summer and early fall. Globally, over 240 million malaria cases occur each year, with the vast majority concentrated in Africa.