Possible Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Reported in New Jersey, Washington

Health officials in New Jersey and Washington state are investigating possible cases of locally acquired malaria.

In New Jersey, the Departments of Health (NJDOH) and Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced a case in a Morris County resident with no history of international travel. If confirmed, it would be the first locally acquired malaria case in New Jersey since 1991.

In Washington, the Tacoma-Pierce County Department of Health reported a case in a Pierce County woman with no recent travel history, which would represent the first locally reported case in the state.

Locally acquired malaria typically occurs when a mosquito bites an individual infected with travel-associated malaria, acquires the parasite, and then bites another person, transmitting the infection. Health officials emphasized that the risk of non-travel-related malaria remains low but encouraged residents to take steps to protect themselves against all mosquito-borne diseases.

AABB’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Fact Sheets contain additional information about malaria and other infectious diseases relevant to donor and patient health and safety.