CLINICAL DESCRIPTION
The clinical signs and symptoms of malaria may vary greatly, however, most patients experience fever. In addition to fever, common associated symptoms include headache, back pain, chills, sweats, myalgia, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough. Untreated Plasmodium falciparum infection can lead to coma, renal failure, pulmonary edema and death. The diagnosis of malaria should be considered for any person who has these symptoms and who has traveled to an area in which malaria is endemic. Asymptomatic parasitemia can occur among persons who have been long-term residents of areas in which malaria is endemic.

CASE CLASSIFICATION

1. CONFIRMED
   
   Microscopically confirmed malaria parasitemia in any person (symptomatic or asymptomatic) regardless of whether the person experienced previous episodes of malaria while outside of the country.
   
   Blood smears should be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, P.O. Box 361, John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625-0361, for confirmation.
   
   
2. PROBABLE
   
   Not used
   
   
3. POSSIBLE
   
   Not used

NOTE A subsequent attack experienced by the same person but caused by a different Plasmodium species is counted as an additional case. A subsequent attack experienced by the same person and caused by the same species in the United States may indicate a relapsing infection or treatment failure caused by drug resistance.

What you should know about Malaria?