North County : Cases of Malaria Increase to 25 in North County

The number of malaria cases in the Lake Hodges area of North County has risen to 25, and two other people have reported symptoms that are “highly suspicious,” county health officials said Wednesday.

Dr. Nancy Bowen, acting county health officer, said the disease has been confirmed in 24 migrant field workers and one resident living near the mosquito-infested area about 2 1/2 miles west of Lake Hodges. Two more people, including the husband of the resident already diagnosed with malaria, are believed to have the disease as well. Both have been tested and are awaiting lab results, Bowen said.

“We’ve been doing a lot of field work, going out into the area concerned, asking about symptoms and taking blood,” Bowen said. The symptoms include headaches, a fever and chills, which typically occur in cycles every one to three days.