Malaria
One statement in your excellent article on malaria (Nov. 22) needs clarification.
It is true that all cases of P. falciparum malaria that have occurred in the United States were “imported” i.e., acquired abroad.
On occasions, however, infections with P. vivax malaria have been acquired by local mosquito transmission in the United States.
Since 1950, 14 isolated episodes of this “introduced” malaria have been reported in the United States and 7 of these have occurred in California. The most recent outbreak took place in San Diego County during the period Aug. 8-Sept. 30, 1986, and involved 27 patients, some or perhaps all of whom had acquired the infection by local mosquito transmission.
Medical personnel therefore should be aware that on rare occasions and in the proper circumstances malaria can occur in people who have not traveled abroad.
F. CIFERRI MD
Los Angeles
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