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Malaria

Kathrine R. Tan, MPH, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Potentially deadly infection with Plasmodium species protozoa, transmitted to humans by Anopheles mosquitoes (1)

  • System(s) affected: cardiovascular, hematologic, renal, respiratory, ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Initial symptoms are nonspecific. Suspect malaria in ill patients returning from endemic area with:

    • Fever, malaise, myalgias, chills, headache, nausea, splenomegaly (chronic infection)...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Oral therapy for uncomplicated chloroquine-resistant Pf (most Pf), chloroquine-resistant Pv, or unknown species:

    • Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem™): Tablet (tab) contains ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Weekly followup (4+ weeks) for those with treated with intravenous artesunate- (exclude post-artemisinin delayed hemolysis). 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Malaria chemoprophyl...

REFERENCES

1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book Health Information for International Travel 2020. Malaria—Chapter 4—2020 Yellow Book | Travelers' Health | CDC. Accessed April 3...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Abanyie F, Acharya SD, et al. Safety and Effectiveness of Intravenous Artesunate for Treatment of Severe Malaria in the United States—April 2019 through December 2020....

CODES

ICD10

  • B51.9 Plasmodium vivax malaria without complication

  • B50.9 Plasmodium falciparum malaria, unspecified

  • B52 Plasmodium malariae malaria

  • B53.0 Plasmodium ovale malaria

  • B52.0 Plasmodium malariae mal...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Consult CDC Yellow Book for appropriate chemoprophylactic agent when traveling to endemic areas.

  • Test for malaria in travelers returning from endemic areas who present with fever or flu...

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