TRIPOLI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Libyan authorities recorded the first malaria infection in more than 30 years, a local official said Thursday.
"A baby girl has been infected with the highly pathogenic type of malaria parasite," Ahmad al-Garari, director of Joint Diseases Department of the National Center for Disease Control, told Xinhua.
He highlighted the need to prepare for the disease, which has not been recorded in Libya for more than three decades.
"Technically, we have a highly experienced team ready to conduct a survey in the site where the infection was recorded," al-Garari explained.
"We have presented a list of needs to the relevant authorities ... If the needs are provided, next week we will go to the site to take samples sufficient to monitor the level of outbreaks of the malaria," the official added.
He pointed out that the disease is currently under control, but stressed the need for a high-level campaign to fight the disease.
"The type of malaria recorded is highly dangerous and all relevant authorities must combat it," al-Garari warned.
