After five cases of malaria were confirmed in the U.S. for the first time in 20 years, could the serious and potentially fatal disease from mosquitoes come north to New England?

The CDC recently reported one case of malaria in Texas and four cases in the Sarasota, Fla., area that were not linked to travel. Officials believe the U.S. cases were from the bite of an infected local mosquito.

The most recent similar cluster was reported in Florida 20 years ago.

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health stressed that there has been no evidence of malaria transmission elsewhere in the U.S., and none in the Bay State.

“However, mosquito bites in Massachusetts can transmit other infections, such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” the state Department of Public Health said in a statement.

“People should take steps to avoid being bitten, such as reducing exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks and using an EPA-approved insect repellent when outdoors,” DPH added. The agency “also encourages people to empty any standing water that may have accumulated anywhere around their homes and to repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.”

Malaria is a common disease in many parts of the world, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It’s a leading cause of death and disease globally, but rare in the U.S.

Malaria is spread by certain species of mosquitoes, causes fever and other symptoms, can be severe, and is diagnosed by a blood test. Most cases in the U.S. are in people returning from endemic areas.

Massachusetts has a mosquito surveillance program to alert the public of any risks, which has included West Nile virus and EEE in recent summers and early falls. Mosquito testing started on June 12 this year.

For updates on mosquito testing throughout the season, visit the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update online at www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.