Plasmodium vivax Infection in Multiple Family Members in Texas, USA

Abstract EN

We report a cluster of 6 pediatric residents of Houston, Texas, USA, who presented with Plasmodium vivax infection within an eight-week period.

All had immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan within the previous year.

The clustering raises the possibilities of local mosquito vectored infection and/or synchronous relapses.

Molecular typing and local mosquito testing are crucial in delineating the source of similar clusters in nonendemic regions.

Single-dose hypnozoite eradication treatment may be considered in emigrating children to malaria nonendemic countries.