July 3, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory on June 26, 2023, in response to confirmed reports of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in Florida (4 cases) and Texas (1 case) within the past two months. There is concern that malaria cases may increase with international travel during summer 2023.
Non-specific malaria symptoms
Malaria is serious medical emergency.
Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, myalgias and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Symptoms may begin 10 days to 4 weeks after infection,
Malaria treatment
Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®) is the preferred option for the initial treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum or unknown species of malaria acquired in areas of chloroquine resistance. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone®) is another recommended option.
Go to the CDC website for additional information on diagnosing and treating malaria.
Where to report malaria cases
Locally acquired malaria should be reported immediately to your state, territorial, local, or tribal health department. Imported (or travel-associated malaria) is also reportable in all states through routine reporting methods.
To report suspected or confirmed malaria cases to Public Health within one working day, contact your local health services department, which can be found on the California Department of Public Health website.
Los Angeles County providers can refer to the Los Angeles County Health Alert Notice from June 26, 2023 for reporting suspected or confirmed cases.
Resources
To view recommendations for clinicians, hospitals and laboratories, public health officials, and the public, go to the CDC health advisory.
Malaria Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment:
- CDC Treatment of Malaria: Guidelines for Clinicians (United States)
- CDC - DPDx - Diagnostic Procedures
- Malaria | CDC Yellow Book 2024
- CDC Malaria Information and Prophylaxis, by Country
- CDC - Parasites - Continuing Education - Malaria 101 for the Healthcare Provider
- CDC - Malaria - Travelers - Risk Assessment
