NJ malaria case is first acquired locally since 1998

New Jersey may be dealing with its first case of malaria in more than three decades — and it came from a local mosquito, not one lurking in the tropics, officials said this week.

The malaria-stricken patient lives in Morris County, according to the NJ Department of Health.

The patient has not traveled outside of the U.S., so officials are looking into how he could have acquired the mosquito-borne disease stateside.

Malaria can be life threatening if left untreated. anatchant – stock.adobe.com

“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey,” explained Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis