SARASOTA PROVINCE, Fla. (WFLA) — Health officials in Manatee and Sarasota counties issued a mosquito-borne disease advisory after a case of malaria was reported.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County and Manatee County and there is one confirmed case of malaria. The patient had spent a lot of time away from home and was being treated in a hospital.
The case has been identified as the P. vivax species of malaria, which is not as deadly as other species, health officials said. Malaria is not transmitted from person to person.
The Department of Health said you should take the following steps to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases:
To protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, take the following prevention measures:
- Use mosquito repellent containing DEET (10-30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
“To help reduce the mosquito population around your home, clear and cover the areas around your home,” health officials said.
For more information on mosquito prevention, visit the Florida Department of Health website.