Florida faces uptick in malaria cases amid divisive political climate. Florida faces uptick in malaria cases amid divisive political climate. ‘Newsweek’ reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing increasing pressure as the number of malaria cases in the state continues to grow. . ‘Newsweek’ reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing increasing pressure as the number of malaria cases in the state continues to grow. . The news comes after it was reported that two public health roles aimed at combating the spread of disease have been vacant for months. According to the Florida Department of Health’s latest virus surveillance report, two more cases of malaria were detected in Sarasota County between June 25 and July 1. Newsweek reports that this brings the number of malaria cases in the state this year to six. . The increase in cases of the mosquito-borne virus is the first time in 20 years that it has been locally acquired in the U.S. Last month, NBC reported that the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology, which aims to track and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, has been without a leader since June. . Last month, NBC reported that the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology, which aims to track and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, has been without a lead since June. . At the same time, a key administrative position for the agency’s surveillance program has also been vacant since March. Dr. Aileen Marty, professor of infectious diseases at Florida International University, told NBC that the vacant positions served “critical public health functions.” Dr. Aileen Marty, professor of infectious diseases at Florida International University, told NBC that the vacant positions served “critical public health functions.” American Public Health Association Executive Director Dr. George C. Benjamin argues that the divisive political climate in Florida has eroded support for public health. Unfortunately, there has been a recent politicization of the use of vaccines and health services for refugees and other immigrants, which may explain the challenges in filling this vital position, according to Dr. Aileen Marty, professor of infectious diseases at Florida International, via NBC.
