Malaria

320 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~1,140. All cases in NYS are travel-associated; no local mosquito transmission.

What is it?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes. NYS had 320 cases in 2024, nearly all in travelers returning from sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other endemic regions. There is no local mosquito transmission of malaria in New York State.

How it spreads

Transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which typically bite between dusk and dawn. Cannot be spread through casual contact. Rarely transmitted through blood transfusion or from mother to newborn.

Symptoms

Cyclical fever, chills, and sweating appearing 10 days to 4 weeks after exposure. Other symptoms include headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue. Severe malaria can cause organ failure, seizures, and death, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum.

Who is at risk?

Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa, Papua New Guinea, and parts of South and Southeast Asia face the highest risk. People without prior immunity — including US residents — are especially vulnerable to severe disease.

What you can do

Vaccine information

The RTS,S/AS01E (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M vaccines are approved for young children in endemic countries. The RTS,S vaccine is also available for some travelers; consult a travel medicine specialist.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.