Malaria Outbreaks Reinvigorate Prevention Efforts

New data published today from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 related fatalities worldwide in 2023.

Confirmed on December 11, 2024, this data represents about 11 million more cases in 2023 compared to 2022.

 Approximately 95% of the deaths occurred in the WHO African Region.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,772 malaria cases as of November 23, 2024 (#47), mainly in international travelers arriving in New York City (232).

“No one should die of malaria, yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a media release.

“An expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection against the disease, but stepped-up investments and action in high-burden African countries are needed to curb the threat.”

From a prevention perspective, new-generation nets, which provide better protection against malaria than pyrethroid-only nets, are becoming more widely available, supporting efforts to combat mosquito resistance to pyrethroids.

And two malaria vaccines are offered in Africa but not in the U.S.

As of December 2024, 17 countries had introduced malaria vaccines through routine childhood immunization.

"Until a viable malaria vaccine becomes available, travelers visiting malaria risk areas need to take precautions against infection, including antimalarial medication along with application of EPA-approved insect repellents to skin and clothing," commented Jeri Beales, MSN, RN.

"In the U.S., malaria prevention medication is by prescription only, so you'll need to speak with your physician's office or local travel health clinic. Several antimalarial tablet options are available, and the best option depends on where you will be visiting, for how long, and your health history, including medications you already take."

"It's important to remember that all malaria medications need to be taken before, during, and after you visit a high-risk area to be effective," added Beales, who leads Destination Health Clinic, a Boston-area travel health provider specializing in health education and vaccination for international travelers.