Malaria: Overview and Update

Each year 1,000 imported cases of malaria are reported in the United States, and several thousand such cases are reported in Europe. Delays in the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria have resulted in death in some of the cases. Unfortunately, many travelers to malarious regions either are provided with inadequate or incorrect advice on measures for preventing malaria or fail to follow correct advice, which puts them at risk for acquiring malaria. These facts underscore the need to periodically review some of the salient points about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease.