Probable transfusion-transmitted malaria--Houston, Texas, 2003

Malaria transmitted by blood transfusion is rare in the United States, with an estimated incidence of <0.3 cases per million transfused blood units. The last reported case of transfusion-transmitted malaria occurred in April 2002 (1); before that a total of 12 cases were identified during 1990--1998(2) [corrected]. This report summarizes a case of malaria in Houston, Texas, that was likely transmitted from a blood donor. Because no laboratory test exists in the United States to screen donated blood for malaria, this case highlights the importance of effective donor screening to help prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria.