International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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The transmission of malaria has increased in recent years in many countries where it was once eradicated or under control, and malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the developing world. Imported cases of malaria have been increasing in New York City and throughout the United States during the past decade. The New York City Department of Health has modified its malaria surveillance program in order to improve the assessment of diagnosis and treatment of malaria in New York City residents and to provide appropriate advice to health professionals who treat these patients. ⋯ Imported cases of malaria occur frequently in New York City and may be associated with serious complications. Health care providers should consider this diagnosis in patients who have recently travelled or arrived from abroad, presenting with headache, fever, and other constitutional symptoms. There are many missed opportunities for the use of malaria prophylaxis, and physicians should familiarize themselves with current recommendations for malaria prophylaxis for travel to areas of the world where people are at risk for the transmission of malaria.