The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness alert in Florida after four people contracted malaria.
According to health officials, the four people who live in Sarasota, all developed the illness locally after being bitten by infectious mosquitoes.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, who have also issued an alert, reported that this is the first local case of malaria since 2003.
Officials say the patients all had P. vivax malaria, which is less fatal than other species. They have all since recovered.
Malaria symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever, and chills.
Those who believe they are experiencing Malaria symptoms are advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours of symptoms starting.