Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Visualizing Efficacy of Pesticides Against Disease Vector Mosquitoes in the Field
Published on: March 16, 2019
Abstract:
U.S. service members are at risk of acquiring malaria infection when they are present in endemic areas because of long-term duty assignments, participation in shorter-term contingency operations, or personal travel. The number of malaria cases in 2014 (n=44) was slightly higher than in 2012 and 2013, but remained relatively low compared to 2005-2011. In 2014, more than one-third of cases were linked to Africa (n=15); 10 cases to Korea; and eight to Afghanistan. More than half (52%) of the 2014 cases were caused by Plasmodium falciparum (n=23) and 16% by P. vivax (n=7); 12 cases were reported as "unspecified" malaria. Malaria was reported from 30 different medical facilities in the U.S., Afghanistan, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, and the U.K. The relatively low numbers of cases during 2012-2014 likely reflect a decrease in the number of troops who served in Afghanistan in those years. Providers of health care to military members should be knowledgeable regarding, and vigilant for, clinical presentations of malaria outside of endemic areas.
Insights
Malaria cases in U.S. service members remained low in 2014, with most infections linked to Africa, Korea, and Afghanistan. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for malaria symptoms, even outside endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Military health
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- U.S. service members are susceptible to malaria infection in endemic regions due to deployments and travel.
- Malaria incidence in service members has fluctuated, with recent years showing relatively low numbers compared to earlier periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of malaria cases among U.S. service members in 2014.
- To identify geographical origins and causative Plasmodium species of malaria infections.
- To inform healthcare providers about the ongoing risk and clinical vigilance required.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of malaria case data reported by U.S. military medical facilities.
- Data collection included case numbers, geographical links, and Plasmodium species identification.
- Analysis focused on the year 2014, with comparisons to previous years (2012-2013) and a longer historical range (2005-2011).
Main Results:
- In 2014, 44 malaria cases were reported, a slight increase from 2012-2013 but low compared to 2005-2011.
- Africa (15 cases), Korea (10 cases), and Afghanistan (8 cases) were the primary geographical links.
- Plasmodium falciparum caused 52% of cases (23), P. vivax caused 16% (7), and 12 were unspecified.
Conclusions:
- The low malaria case numbers in 2012-2014 may be associated with reduced troop presence in Afghanistan.
- Malaria remains a concern for deployed and traveling service members, necessitating awareness.
- Healthcare providers must maintain vigilance for malaria presentations in military personnel, regardless of location.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:58Symbiosis
01:15Anthelminthic Agents