Florida Facing Uptick in , Malaria Cases , Amid Divisive Political Climate.<br />Florida Facing Uptick in , Malaria Cases , Amid Divisive Political Climate.<br />'Newsweek' reports that Florida governor Ron DeSantis <br />is facing increased pressure as the number of <br />malaria cases in the state continues to grow. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that Florida governor Ron DeSantis <br />is facing increased pressure as the number of <br />malaria cases in the state continues to grow. .<br />The news comes after reports that two <br />public health roles aimed at combating the <br />spread of diseases have been vacant for months.<br />According to the latest Florida Health Department <br />virus-monitoring report, two more cases of malaria were <br />detected in Sarasota County between June 25 and July 1.<br />'Newsweek' reports that this brings the number <br />of malaria cases in the state this year to six. .<br />The uptick in cases of the mosquito-borne <br />virus marks the first time in twenty years that <br />it has been locally acquired within the U.S.<br />Last month, NBC reported that Florida's Bureau of Epidemiology, <br />which is meant to track and prevent the spread of <br />communicable diseases, has been without a leader since June. .<br />Last month, NBC reported that Florida's Bureau of Epidemiology, <br />which is meant to track and prevent the spread of <br />communicable diseases, has been without a leader since June. .<br />At the same time, a key administration position <br />for the agency's surveillance program has <br />also reportedly been vacant since March.<br />According to Dr. Aileen Marty, a Florida International <br />University professor of infectious disease, told NBC the <br />vacant roles both served "critical public-health functions.".<br />According to Dr. Aileen Marty, a Florida International <br />University professor of infectious disease, told NBC the <br />vacant roles both served "critical public-health functions.".<br />The executive director of the American Public Health Association, <br />Dr. George C. Benjamin, argues that the divisive political <br />climate in Florida has eroded support for public health.<br />There has, unfortunately, been recent <br />politicization of the use of vaccines <br />and health services for refugees and <br />other immigrants, which may explain<br />the challenges in filling this vital position, Dr. Aileen Marty, Professor of infectious disease at Florida International, via NBC
