1. Recognize the Epidemiologic Risk Factors

   • Identify patients at risk for malaria based on travel history, residence in endemic regions, or prior prophylaxis, and distinguish malaria from other febrile illnesses common among travelers and migrants.

2. Perform Targeted Clinical Evaluation

   • Conduct a focused history and physical exam to identify key signs and symptoms of malaria (e.g., cyclic fevers, rigors, anemia, splenomegaly, altered mental status) and differentiate between uncomplicated and severe malaria.

3. Interpret Diagnostic Tests Accurately

   • Appropriately order and interpret malaria diagnostics, including peripheral blood smears (thick and thin films) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), recognizing limitations such as species differentiation and parasitemia quantification.

4. Initiate Timely and Evidence-Based Treatment

   • Select and administer appropriate antimalarial therapy based on severity (uncomplicated vs. severe) and Plasmodium species, including parenteral artesunate for severe malaria and oral artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for uncomplicated cases.

5. Manage Complications and Coordinate Definitive Care

   • Recognize and treat life-threatening complications such as hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure, and cerebral malaria, while coordinating consultation and admission for patients requiring inpatient or ICU management.

CDC: Malaria Diagnosis & Treatment Guidelines (2024)

WHO World Malaria Report

Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine, 9th ed., Ch. 139