Economic impact of malaria-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2000-2014

Despite its elimination in the early 1950s, about 1700 cases of malaria are reported in the US every year. Few studies have quantified the direct and indirect costs of imported malaria in the US.

Disparities in the mean and total hospital days, hospital charges, and hospital costs for malaria-related hospitalizations in the US by demographic, clinical, species, financial, geographic, and institutional characteristics were examined using the 2000-2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Trends and potential predictors for length of stay and hospital charges and costs were identified using negative binomial regression and linear regression, respectively.

From 2000 to 2014, 22,029 malaria cases resulted in 95,948 hospital days for malaria-related hospitalizations, $176,391,466 in total hospital costs, and $555,435,849 in total charges. Mean charges increased significantly over the study period. Males, Blacks, and patients aged 25-44years accounted for the highest direct and indirect costs. Older age and having severe malaria was associated with a longer length of stay. Older age, severe malaria, HIV infection, and longer lengths of stay were associated with higher charges and costs.

Malaria resulted in substantial direct and indirect costs in the US. Primary and secondary prevention measures should be prioritized among high-risk groups to reduce the economic burden.