Malaria-related deaths among U.S. travelers, 1963-2001.
Nearly 1500 malaria cases occur each year in the United States; approximately 60% are among U.S. travelers. Despite the availability of sophisticated medical care, malaria-related deaths continue to occur. The authors reviewed all 185 fatal cases between 1963 and 2001 that were reported to the National Malaria Surveillance System: 123 (66.5%) occurred among U.S. travelers, and of these, 114 (92.7%) were attributed to Plasmodium falciparum. Failure to take or adhere to recommended chemoprophylaxis, to promptly seek medical care for post-travel illness, and to promptly diagnose and treat suspected malaria all contributed to fatal outcomes. Health care providers need to take a travel history, obtain a blood film for suspected malaria, and use the 24-hour malaria management advice available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Malaria Hotline (770-488-7788) or the CDC Malaria Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/Malaria). Hospitals must maintain intravenous quinidine gluconate on formulary because it is the only drug available to treat severe malaria in the United States.
Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. ren5@cdc.gov
Robert D
RD
Newman
Monica E
ME
Parise
Ann M
AM
Barber
Richard W
RW
Steketee
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018890:Chemoprevention; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000962:Antimalarials