Officials with the New Jersey Departments of Health and Environmental Protection say that a Morris County resident has contracted malaria.

Officials did not specify which town in the county the resident resides in. They say that the resident did not travel internationally and may have contracted the infection in the state.

State officials say they are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the source of the infection.

“While risk to the general public is low, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey. The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown wrote in a statement. “Anyone traveling to countries with widespread malaria should take appropriate steps to prevent malaria while traveling and monitor for symptoms.”

Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness caused by a parasite transmitted by certain mosquitoes. It is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries.

Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The illness can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Officials say symptoms typically show up seven to 30 days after exposure.

DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette is also urging New Jersey residents to help reduce mosquito breeding by getting rid of any standing water on their properties.

“As the summer winds down, taking this simple but necessary step will help ensure quality of life and protect public health,” LaTourette wrote.

Officials say that if the case is confirmed, it would be the “first known locally acquired” case of malaria in New Jersey since 1991. They say that there are typically 100 “travel-associated” cases of the illness in the state each year.