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Updated: May 14, 2026
10:49
Visualizing Efficacy of Pesticides Against Disease Vector Mosquitoes in the Field
Published on: March 16, 2019
Summary
In 2012, U.S. military personnel experienced a low number of malaria cases, primarily linked to deployments in Afghanistan and Africa. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for malaria symptoms in service members, even outside endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Military Health
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- U.S. service members face malaria risk in endemic operational and travel areas.
- Malaria is a significant concern for military personnel deployed globally.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence and characteristics of malaria cases among U.S. service members in 2012.
- To identify geographical origins and causative Plasmodium species of malaria in the military population.
- To emphasize the need for provider awareness of malaria in non-endemic settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported malaria cases in U.S. service members for the year 2012.
- Data collection included geographical location of presumed acquisition, Plasmodium species, and reporting medical facilities.
- Case numbers were compared to previous years to identify trends.
Main Results:
- A total of 38 malaria cases were reported in 2012, the lowest in nine years.
- The majority of cases (nearly two-thirds) were presumed acquired in Afghanistan (n=24), with seven cases from Africa.
- Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species, and nearly one-third of cases were unspecified; diagnoses occurred across 25 facilities globally.
Conclusions:
- The decrease in malaria cases in 2012 is partly attributed to troop drawdowns in Afghanistan.
- Malaria diagnosis and reporting occurred in diverse locations, including the U.S., Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, and Korea.
- Healthcare providers must maintain vigilance for malaria in service members, recognizing its potential presentation outside endemic zones.
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