Transfusion-transmitted malaria--Missouri and Pennsylvania, 1996-1998

Malaria is a rare but potentially serious complication of blood transfusion. During 1958-1998, 103 cases of transfusion-transmitted malaria in the United States were reported to CDC. This report summarizes the investigation of three cases that occurred during 1996-1998 in Missouri and Pennsylvania and illustrates the key features of transfusion-transmitted malaria and the importance of donor screening.