Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing pressure amid a growing number of malaria cases in the state, after reports emerged that two public-health roles related to combating the spread of diseases have been left vacant for months.
It brings the total number of cases of the disease that were contracted inside the U.S. this year to six in Florida.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors national summit at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on June 30, 2023.
Back in his home state, there has been a rising number of malaria cases.
The CDC first announced five cases of malaria contracted within the country on June 26—four in Florida and one in Texas.
It expressed concerns over "a potential rise in imported malaria cases" associated with increased international travel in the summer, including to countries were malaria remains prevalent.
The Florida Health Department said that there had been 23 cases of malaria associated with international travel in 2023, with many originating from countries in Africa, as well as central America and the Middle East. »
