Malaria Mania as Florida Faces New Infections
Malaria Mania is here as Florida health officials have reported not one, but two additional cases. That brings the total tally of locally acquired infections to a whopping seven since May. Ladies and gentlemen, it seems our sunshine state is under attack from an unlikely enemy. The dreaded mosquito.
According to NBC Miami, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sounded the alarm on June 26, sending hospitals into a frenzy. They warned medical professionals to be on high alert for patients showcasing symptoms of malaria. They urged them to kick into high gear by diagnosing and treating the ailment within a mere 24 hours. Talk about pressure!
Dr. Manuel Gordillo, an infectious disease specialist at the renowned Sarasota Memorial Hospital, has had the distinct honor of treating four of Florida’s malaria patients this year. Bravo, Doctor! He revealed that some of the infected individuals arrived at the hospital in quite a sorry state, suffering from fevers and dehydration. Ah, yes, the perfect way to begin a Floridian adventure.
To make matters worse, it appears that some of these unfortunate souls neglected their symptoms until they reached a state of “complications.” Neglecting symptoms? That seems like a recipe for disaster.
Malaria, my friends, is no laughing matter.
It’s a serious disease, sometimes fatal, transmitted by mosquitoes who act as tiny, ruthless, disease-carrying ninjas. Their evil plan involves transferring a parasite to us unsuspecting humans through their sneaky little bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue, like the aftermath of a wild night in Vegas.
So, for all of us Floridians, take this warning and keep your insect repellent close, your windows shut, and your senses sharp. For the mosquitoes are upon us, and they won’t rest until they’ve made us all honorary members of the “Malaria Club.”
You Won't Guess One Of The Most Dangerous Tourist Activities
10. Running of the Bulls
I never understood why people voluntarily do this. The chance of death? 1 in 111,111.
(Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
9. Sky Diving
I understand the thrill people get from this. I personally, am content staying on land. The chance of death- 1 in 90,909.
(Photo by U.S. Army/Texas A&M University via Getty Images)
8. Motorcycle Riding
Obviously this can be risky anywhere, not just on vacation. Chance of death is 1 in 58,823.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
7. Hiking
Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. There are some things to consider though like falling off the edge or a chance encounter with wildlife. Chance of death is 1 in 50,000.
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
6. Mountain Biking
I know plenty of people who have suffered severe injuries while mountain biking. Thankfully none as serious as death. Fatality rate = 1 in 28,571.
(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
5. Paragliding
Every time I see paragliders it makes me want to try. It looks so freeing and fun, but can also be super dangerous. Chance of death is 1 in 13,513.
(Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images for LUMIX)
4. Horseback Riding
To me I feel like this is a pretty low risk activity. But I guess all it takes is to be thrown off or stepped on. Chance of death is 1 in 10,000.
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
3. Driving
We all know here in Florida, taking to the roads is risky, especially when half the population can’t see over the steering wheel. Chance of death is 1 in 7,142.
(Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images)
2. Cave Diving
My biggest fear is that if I were to cave dive that for some reason I wouldn’t make it back out. Maybe I’ve seen too many movies. Chance of death is 1 in 3,333.
(Photo by Dean Treml/Red Bull via Getty Images)
1. Mountaineering and Rock Climbing
And the deadliest tourist activity- mountaineering and rock climbing. Should be saved for those with experience and not on a whim. Chance of death is 1 in 3,125.
(Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images for LUMIX)
