CDC: First U.S.-acquired malaria cases since 2003 reported in Florida and Texas

By Brian Ward

For the first time since 2003, cases of malaria acquired within the United States, rather than abroad, have been reported.

On June 26, the CDC said five cases of malaria that were acquired within the U.S. were reported—four in Florida and one in Texas. All five patients have been treated and are improving, the agency said.

Malaria is carried by female anopheline mosquitos and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. In 2021 there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 malaria deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Malaria causes fever and flu-like symptoms, and sometimes causes anemia and jaundice because of the loss of red blood cells.

While the disease is preventable and curable, but the CDC urges healthcare organizations to respond promptly to suspected cases.  “Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly. Patients suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, within 24 hours of presentation,” the CDC wrote in a media statement.

The CDC statement-has recommendations and resources for healthcare providers and laboratorians on how to diagnose and respond to malaria cases. This includes ordering “microscopic examination of thin and thick blood smears, and a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) if available, to diagnose malaria as soon as possible.”

Read the full list of recommendations and the CDC’s malaria health alert here.