At a glance
- Clinical criteria and parasite burden determine malaria classification as uncomplicated or severe, which then informs treatment.
- Updated guidance extends artemether-lumefantrine duration to 5 days (10 doses) for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections and following IV artesunate for severe infections.
- Patients with P. falciparum, Plasmodium knowlesi, or malaria of unknown species should be hospitalized initially and monitored with daily blood smears.
Clinical resources
CDC Malaria Hotline
Healthcare providers can call the CDC Malaria Hotline for clinical consultation about malaria diagnosis and treatment:
- Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. EST: (770) 488-7788
- After hours, weekends, and federal holidays: (770) 488-7100
Reference the Algorithm for Diagnosis and Management of Malaria for a summary of the recommended steps to evaluate, diagnose, and treat malaria patients.
Use Malaria Treatment Tables for drug recommendations, as well as adult and pediatric dosing.
Diagnosing and treating malaria in the U.S.
CDC provides clinical guidance to diagnose and treat malaria in the United States. Malaria is not endemic in the United States, but is a major global public health problem. In the United States, approximately 2,000 cases are reported annually, with most occurring in travelers who acquire the infection in malaria-endemic countries and return to the U.S. On rare occasions, local transmission can occur.
Malaria is a medical emergency that can rapidly progress to severe disease and death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. However, it is a curable disease if diagnosed early and treated correctly. Healthcare providers can use this guidance to recognize the risk factors, signs and symptoms of malaria, order prompt diagnostic testing, and provide appropriate treatment.