Autoimmune Dysfunction Due to Severe Malaria

Abstract

Despite advances in treatment and prevention, malaria still carries significant morbidity and mortality. Cases of malaria in the United States are rare and cases of severe malaria, mostly attributable to Plasmodium falciparum, are even more uncommon. With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been distractions in evaluation and diagnosis leading to a rise in cases and deaths. We present a case of autoimmune dysregulation and blackwater fever secondary to severe malaria, requiring multiple courses of antimalarial therapy. Careful travel history and prompt recognition and treatment facilitates improved patient survival and recovery.