On June 26, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory about malaria cases identified in the United States within the last two months.
Cases of locally acquired malaria have been identified in Florida (4) and Texas (1). There is heightened concern for a potential rise in cases due to increased international travel this summer.
The CDC is working with the health departments involved by investigating locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases. Mosquito surveillance and control measures have been implemented in both states in the region where the cases were identified. All five of the patients diagnosed with malaria were treated and are improving. These are the first cases of locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria in the United States since 2003. Risk remains low in the United States at this time.
Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito. The Anopheles mosquito is capable of surviving in warm regions where malaria is endemic and can be transmitted when the Anopheles mosquito feeds on a malaria-infected person. Though rare, malaria may be transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy.
Symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Diagnosis:
Symptoms typically begin 10 days to 4 weeks after infection but may occur as early as 7 days or as late as 1 year after infection. Malaria should be considered with any febrile illness regardless of travel history.
• Gather information about travel history, especially in areas where malaria is endemic
• Order microscopic examination of thin and thick blood smears.
• Suspected or confirmed malaria cases must be immediately reported to Tarrant County Health Department Epidemiology Division
Questions about diagnosing and treating malaria? Call the CDC’s malaria clinicians –
Malaria Hotline for Healthcare Providers
Via telephone: 1-770-488-7788 or 1-855-856-4713 (toll free)
Via telephone (after hours): 1-770-488-7100
Via e-mail: malaria@cdc.gov
Hours: 9 am–5 pm ET / Monday–Friday
Treatment:
IV artesunate is the first-line drug for the treatment of severe malaria in the United States. If not treated quickly, malaria may become severe, even life-threatening.
Important to know:
• Use DEET or other approved mosquito repellant to prevent mosquito bites.
• Empty containers (buckets, toys, planters) that hold water where mosquitos breed.
• Before you travel, learn about the health risks and precautions for malaria and other diseases to where you will be traveling.
• If you are traveling to an area where malaria frequently occurs, talk with your health care provider about prevention medications.
• If you have traveled to an area where malaria occurs and develop symptoms, call your health care provider.
References:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00494.asp
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/clinicians1.html
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/Malaria_Managment_Algorithm_202208.pdf