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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
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Visualizing Efficacy of Pesticides Against Disease Vector Mosquitoes in the Field
Published on: March 16, 2019
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Summary
Malaria cases among U.S. service members reached a 10-year low in 2021, with a decrease attributed to reduced infections in Afghanistan. Despite this, Plasmodium falciparum cases increased proportionally, highlighting ongoing risks.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Malaria poses a significant health risk to U.S. service members deployed to or traveling in endemic regions.
- The study analyzes malaria surveillance data among U.S. military personnel from 2012 to 2021.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence and characteristics of malaria cases in U.S. service members from 2012 to 2021.
- To identify trends in malaria infections, including causative Plasmodium species and geographical acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of malaria surveillance data for U.S. service members from January 2012 to December 2021.
- Data collection included case numbers, Plasmodium species, and geographical location of infection acquisition.
Main Results:
- A total of 20 malaria cases were reported in 2021, the lowest in the 10-year surveillance period, marking a 28.6% decrease from 2020.
- Decreased cases were largely linked to reduced U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan.
- While overall cases declined, Plasmodium falciparum constituted the highest proportion (55.0%) of 2021 cases, and Plasmodium vivax cases reached a record low (n=1).
Conclusions:
- Malaria incidence in U.S. service members has significantly decreased, primarily due to troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- Despite the overall decline, the increased proportion of Plasmodium falciparum cases warrants continued vigilance.
- Healthcare providers must remain vigilant for malaria symptoms in service members, even outside endemic areas.
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