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Malaria surveillance -- United States, 1994
S P Kachur1, M E Reller, A M Barber
1Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, USA.
Summary
Malaria cases in the US decreased by 20% in 1994, mainly due to fewer infections in military personnel returning from abroad. Travelers should use malaria prevention and seek medical care if symptoms arise.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by four Plasmodium species.
- Most U.S. malaria cases are imported through international travel, but local transmission can occur.
- Surveillance aims to detect local transmission and update prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze malaria cases in the U.S. during 1994.
- To identify trends in malaria incidence and transmission.
- To inform public health recommendations for malaria prevention.
Main Methods:
- Data collected through the National Malaria Surveillance System (NMSS).
- Analysis of malaria cases with symptom onset in 1994.
- Inclusion of confirmed cases reported by healthcare providers and laboratories.
Main Results:
- 1,014 malaria cases reported in the U.S. in 1994, a 20% decrease from 1993.
- Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum were the most common species (44% each).
- Significant decrease in cases among U.S. military personnel (86% reduction).
- Five cases acquired in the U.S., including three likely locally transmitted mosquito-borne infections.
- Four deaths attributed to malaria.
Conclusions:
- The overall decrease in malaria cases was largely attributed to reduced military deployments.
- Malaria remains a concern for travelers and requires adherence to chemoprophylaxis and protective measures.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.