‘Locally Acquired’ Malaria Outbreak in Florida Infects 6 People in Sarasota County

An Asian tiger mosquito that is known to carry diseases like malaria. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicating resources to getting rid of malaria around the world. Jack Leonard/Getty Images

Florida was the epicenter of an outbreak of malaria, the first time the tropical disease was contracted in the state in 20 years.

Six cases of “locally acquired” malaria were reported in southwest Florida in May and June, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).