The resurgence of malaria in the United States: analyzing recent cases and strengthening surveillance and prevention measures

Abstract

Significant strides have been made in malaria control and elimination efforts in the United States. Over the years, concerted efforts were made to combat the disease, including establishing Malaria Control inWarAreas in 1942, which targetedmalaria control in the Southern United States and its territories. These efforts proved successful, and in 1951 malaria was eliminated in the United States. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the resurgence of malaria. Despite the previous success, there have been isolated malaria outbreaks in the United States in 2003 and 2023. An outbreak in Palm Beach County, Florida, initially suggested local transmission, but it was later determined to be imported cases. The most recent cases reported in Florida and Texas have triggered alarms regarding the potential for a resurgence. Recognizing the potential risks, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory. The advisory emphasized the importance of identifying locally acquired cases and the potential increase in imported malaria associated with international travel. These recent cases serve as a wake-up call for the United States and other malariafree countries, urging them to increase their vigilance in preventing the reemergence of the disease. Strengthening surveillance efforts to address the current situation and prevent a major public health crisis is crucial. This paper aims to analyze the situation, identify contributing factors to the recent cases, and provide recommendations for enhancing surveillance. By doing so, the goal is to prevent a potential resurgence of malaria and prompt other malaria-free countries to reinforce their vigilance against the disease. Overview of the recent malaria cases in the United States