Van Hollen, Cardin Respond to Positive Case of Locally Acquired Malaria Found in Maryland

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) released the following joint statement:

“Team Maryland has been in touch with Gov. Wes Moore’s office and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the locally acquired malaria case recently discovered in our state. We stand ready to facilitate federal support for the state or local governments, including financial and technical assistance as necessary. We appreciate that the governor and CDC already are working closely to respond to this situation. We send our thoughts for a speedy recovery to the individual affected and their family.

“The CDC has said that the risk of locally acquired malaria remains extremely low in the United States. To Marylanders, the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community is to continue using your mosquito-borne disease prevention strategies, like using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, emptying any standing water at least once a week, and using screens on windows and doors.

“We will continue to stay in close contact with state and local officials as we monitor this situation and work together to keep Marylanders safe.”