U.S. Malaria Eradication ProgramIn 1947, the National Malaria Eradication Program commenced in the U.S., which succeeded in eliminating malaria as a significant public health problem in the country by 1949. The operation was the result of cooperation between the Communicable Disease Center of the U.S. Public Health Service (CDC) with the state and local health agencies of 13 southeastern states. It was proposed by Dr. L. L. Williams. By 1949, the primary effort was 4,650,000 spray applications of the insecticide DDT in rural homes of counties with malaria prevalent. In addition, drainage operations and spraying of insecticides (sometimes by aircraft) removed mosquito breeding sites. With the success, by 1951 the CDC's role was reduced to surveillance. Worldwide efforts continue.« |
