Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/malaria-rates-rise-to-highest-level-in-40-years-thanks-to-travellers Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Malaria rates rise to highest level in 40 years thanks to travellers Nation Oct 31, 2013 2:35 PM EST Malaria cases in the U.S. are at their highest level in four decades and travelers are to blame — bringing in nearly all of the cases into the states. About two-thirds were infected in Africa, where malaria is common, reported the AP. Malaria is a deadly tropical disease spread by mosquitoes, but it can be treated if caught early. The disease is not considered a big problem in the U.S. with only 1,925 cases in 2011, including five deaths. Malaria cases were up 14 percent from the previous year to the most since 1971, according to numbers released by health officials Thursday. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Malaria cases in the U.S. are at their highest level in four decades and travelers are to blame — bringing in nearly all of the cases into the states. About two-thirds were infected in Africa, where malaria is common, reported the AP. Malaria is a deadly tropical disease spread by mosquitoes, but it can be treated if caught early. The disease is not considered a big problem in the U.S. with only 1,925 cases in 2011, including five deaths. Malaria cases were up 14 percent from the previous year to the most since 1971, according to numbers released by health officials Thursday. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now