Southern Africa's Malaria Outbreak Reaches Florida

While outside the historic outbreak areas, countries in southern Africa are grappling with a sharp rise in malaria cases, with Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe reporting significant outbreaks in July 2025.

In Zimbabwe, the Africa CDC (ACDC) recently recorded 111,998 cases and 310 deaths by week 23 of 2025, up from 29,031 cases and 49 deaths in 2024. Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces account for 32% of cases and 25% of deaths, respectively.

Additionally, Botswana reports 2,223 cases and 11 deaths in 2025, with Okavango hardest impacted. 

Cross-border transmission, particularly in Botswana's border districts, underscores the importance of regional cooperation.

While eSwatini's 187 cases target children and farmers, and Namibia saw 89,959 cases and 146 deaths, with 18% imported.

The ACDC wrote on July 23, 2025, that without urgent action, these malaria outbreaks could undo years of control efforts.

Low use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and climate-driven shifts in mosquito habitats, as noted by Dr. Merawi Aragaw, have exacerbated the health crisis.

Dr. Aragaw emphasizes the importance of sustained vector control and collaboration in curbing the threat.

African governments are currently encouraged to enhance the use of ITNs, community engagement, and surveillance.

Furthermore, several countries have deployed approved malaria vaccination campaigns over the past year.

Globally, malaria cases reached 263 million in 2023, with Africa accounting for 95% of deaths.

Unfortunately, international travelers are being diagnosed with malaria outside of Africa, such as in the state of Florida.

The Florida Department of Health's Arbovirus Surveillance update #29, released on July 19, 2025, reported 23 travel-related malaria cases, with the majority of cases involving travelers from Nigeria.

These travel-related malaria cases may lead to locally transmitted malaria, as Florida previously reported in the Tampa and Palm Beach areas.

Once diagnosed with malaria, or to prevent severe infections, antimalarial medicines are commercially available in the United States at travel clinics and pharmacies.