Malaria among U.S. military personnel returning from Somalia, 1993.

U.S. military personnel were first deployed to Somalia in late December 1992 as part of Operation Restore Hope. From the time of deployment through April 1993, malaria was diagnosed in 48 personnel who had onset of illness while in Somalia. In addition, through late June, malaria was diagnosed in 83 military personnel following their return from Somalia. This substantial number of cases has reinforced concerns regarding malaria prophylaxis, the estimated risk for infection, and the need for prompt recognition and treatment of malaria in military personnel. This report summarizes the occurrence of malaria in returning personnel and underscores for health-care providers the importance of considering malaria in the diagnostic evaluation of military personnel returning from Somalia and in other persons who have traveled to malarious areas.