At a glance
- Approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are reported annually in the United States, primarily among travelers.
- Malaria can be a severe, potentially fatal disease. Urgent diagnosis followed by immediate treatment is critical.
- Healthcare providers in the United States can use this guidance to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment of malaria.
- As of August 2026, guidance extends artemether-lumefantrine duration to 5 days (10 doses) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, both for the treatment of uncomplicated infections and following IV artesunate for severe infections.
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 Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment in the United States for a summary of the recommended steps to evaluate, diagnose, and treat malaria patients.
Use the Malaria Treatment Tables for drug recommendations, as well as adult and pediatric dosing.
Overview of 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.
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.