Malaria-Related Deaths among U.S. Travelers, 1963–2001
- Robert D. Newman, MD, MPH;
- Monica E. Parise, MD;
- Ann M. Barber, BA; and
- Richard W. Steketee, MD, MPH
Abstract
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.
Article and Author Information
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Acknowledgments: The authors thank Meghna Desai and Jacqueline Roberts for assistance with data management.
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Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: None disclosed.
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Requests for Single Reprints: Robert D. Newman, MD, MPH, Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-22, Atlanta, GA 30341; e-mail, ren5{at}cdc.gov.
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Current Author Addresses: Dr. Newman, Dr. Parise, Ms. Barber, and Dr. Steketee: Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop F-22, Atlanta, GA 30341.
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