Imported and Indigenous Malaria in the United States, 1952

During 1950, 2,227 cases of malaria were reported in the United States (Table 1). Seven hundred and thirteen of these reports were carefully appraised, of which 30 were confirmed by positive blood smear. Six appeared to have been acquired within the United States. Data presented by Welch and Quinby (1952) indicated an increase in reported malaria morbidity in 1951 due to the return of thousands of servicemen infected in Korea. This introduction of infected individuals at that time (September 1951) had not significantly increased the recognized transmission of malaria; in fact, only eight cases could be attributed to local origin.By the end of 1951, the National Office of Vital Statistics had recorded the provisional figure of 6,427 reported cases (Table 1). These figures are misleading since at least half of the military cases were not reported through civilian channels.