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 explainbr the challenges in filling this vital position, Dr.