Malaria Confirmed In This NJ County, Believed To Be 1st Locally Acquired Case In 27 Years

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A New Jersey resident who has not traveled outside the country has tested positive for malaria, according to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).

The NJDOH, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the illness now. If the Morris County resident did contract malaria in New Jersey, it would be the state’s first locally acquired case since 1998, according to experts.

“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey. The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “Anyone traveling to countries with widespread malaria should take appropriate steps to prevent malaria while traveling and monitor for symptoms.”

While mosquitoes with malaria are present in New Jersey, the risk of locally acquired malaria remains low, health experts added. There are typically 100 cases of malaria in New Jersey every year, most often being travel-related.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite transmitted by certain mosquitoes. The disease is primarily found in tropical and subtropical countries, and is typically only found in the U.S. when residents have visited said countries.

Those who contract the illness will typically see symptoms between 7 to 30 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

While the disease can be cured with antimalarial drugs, it can be fatal if not treated quickly, experts said. Treatment reduces the likelihood of contracting the disease again, officials added.

“I urge the public to continue taking steps to eliminate standing water around their properties, which will go a long way to reducing the risk of mosquito breeding,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “As the summer winds down, taking this simple but necessary step will help ensure quality of life and protect public health.”

See tips to avoid mosquitoes and malaria below, provided by the NJDOH:

• “Prevent mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks while spending time outdoors.
• Reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water around properties. Mosquito-proof your yard by removing and reducing places where mosquitoes can breed by removing or covering sources of standing water, such as birdbaths, pools, tires, and other places where water may collect.
• Protect yourself while traveling to countries where malaria or other travel-associated diseases (e.g., dengue, chikungunya) are common. Review travel notices for your destination and contact a health care provider before travel to discuss if medications or vaccines are recommended. After returning home, travelers should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites for three weeks to reduce the risk of New Jersey mosquitoes becoming infected and potentially spreading the infection to others.”

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that there hasn't been a locally acquired case of malaria in NJ since 1991. In actuality, there hasn't been a locally acquired case of malaria in NJ since 1998, according to the NJ DOH.