The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are investigating a confirmed case of malaria in a Morris County resident with no international travel history. Officials say it is possible the individual contracted malaria within New Jersey — a scenario not documented in the state since 1991.

The NJDOH is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the source of the infection. While the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria are present in New Jersey, the risk of locally acquired cases remains low, health officials emphasized.

“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said. “The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers.”

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette urged residents to help reduce mosquito breeding. “I urge the public to continue taking steps to eliminate standing water around their properties, which will go a long way to reducing the risk of mosquito breeding,” LaTourette said. “As the summer winds down, taking this simple but necessary step will help ensure quality of life and protect public health.”

Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, is widespread in tropical and subtropical countries. Symptoms typically appear 7–30 days after exposure and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While malaria can be cured with prescription drugs, it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

On average, New Jersey reports about 100 travel-associated malaria cases each year. Local transmission occurs when a mosquito bites an infected traveler and later spreads the parasite to another person. Timely diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals significantly reduces the risk of further transmission.

State officials noted that late summer and early fall are peak months for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Prevent bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing outdoors.
• Reduce mosquito breeding by removing standing water from birdbaths, pools, tires, and other containers.
• Take precautions when traveling to areas with malaria or other mosquito-borne illnesses and continue mosquito bite prevention for three weeks after returning home.

The NJ State Mosquito Control Commission, NJDEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, and the Morris County Mosquito Control Division are working with NJDOH and the CDC to support mosquito control efforts and minimize risks to the public.