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Update May 10, 2024

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Travel Advisory November 20, 2023

Ghana - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers.

Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest.

Country summary:  Violent crimes, such as carjacking and street mugging, do occur. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Exercise increased caution specifically due to crime:

• In urban areas and crowded markets
• When traveling by private or public transportation after dark as criminal elements may use blockades to slow down and restrict movement of vehicles
• In areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Ghanaian law contains prohibitions on “unlawful carnal knowledge” – generally interpreted as any kind of sexual intimacy – between persons of the same sex. Punishments can include fines and/or incarceration. Anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years. Members of the LGBTQI+ community have reported safety incidents that include targeted assault, rape, mob attacks, and harassment due to their identity.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ghana.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

• See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Ghana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East and Upper West Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to read Security Alerts affecting those areas. Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

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Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy accra.

No. 24 Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra Ghana Telephone:  +233-(0)30-274-1000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +233-(0)30-274-1000 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Ghana  website for the most current visa information.

Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required upon arrival in Ghana for anyone over nine months of age.

Foreign nationals who are over six years old and who have been physically present in Ghana for a cumulative period of 90 days or more during a calendar year are required to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA). The NIA will issue registered foreign nationals a non-citizen Ghana card. The non-citizen Ghana card will be necessary for all transactions that require identification, i.e. opening bank accounts, obtaining work permits, acquiring driver’s licenses, etc.

A list of permanent registration centers, fee requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the  NIA website .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ghana.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction,  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

West Africa faces an increased threat from transnational terrorist groups. Terrorists have targeted Westerners in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, and Mali.

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Crime:   Violent crimes, such as armed robbery and kidnapping, occasionally occur. Robberies on highways are of particular concern, especially at night. Armed robbers also sometimes target vehicles coming from Kotoka International Airport. If your car is hit by another car while you are driving, go directly to the nearest police station to report the incident. Reports of residential robberies continue to be on the rise.

Street crime remains a serious problem in Accra and other large cities. Thieves carry out crimes of opportunity, such as “snatch & grabs,” on city streets in isolated areas as well as from vehicles idling in traffic. Pickpockets are also prevalent in crowded areas.

Luggage and travel document theft occurs at Kotoka International Airport in Accra and in hotels across Ghana. Keep your documents secure at all times, and don’t leave your baggage unattended. Be wary of all offers of unsolicited assistance at the airport from anyone other than uniformed porters or officials.

Credit card fraud is common. Exercise caution when using credit and ATM cards in Ghana. It is very common for scammers to tamper with credit card terminals. Skimming is the primary means of credit card fraud, and is undetectable until fraudulent charges appear on statements. If you choose to use a credit card anywhere in Ghana, monitor your credit card activity closely.

There are a number of ongoing chieftaincy disputes in Ghana that generally involve competition over limited resources. Several of these disputes have erupted into violence and unrest during recent years. Exercise caution in rural areas and remain alert to outbreaks of unrest. Please see the Travel & Transportation section for more information.  

Refer to the  Ghana Travel Advisory  and the  U.S. Embassy Accra website  for the most updated safety and security information.  

For further information about crime trends in Ghana, the Ghana Police Service Criminal Investigations Department issues advisories on the  Ghana Police Service site .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Ghana. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:  

• Romance/online dating 
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting 
• Free trip/luggage 
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +233 (0)30-277-3906 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +233-(0)30-274-1000 ext. 1570. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism : The tourism industry is unevenly regulated outside of the major cities, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to easily access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Maritime Security : Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to trend upwards. Pirates/armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship’s property continue to be common occurrences.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Public smoking is illegal in Ghana. The U.S. Embassy is aware of arrests for cigarette smoking in public places, but has not received reports of prosecutions.

Be aware that building construction standards are often lower than those found in the United States. These lower standards have contributed to building collapses, fires, and electrical shock.

In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from questionable transactions involving gold and other precious metals. The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these natural resources. All agents must be licensed and all transactions must be certified.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Swimming in coastal waters is dangerous and strongly discouraged, even for excellent swimmers. The ocean currents along the coast are powerful and treacherous, and several people drown each year.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers : Ghana’s criminal code outlaws “unnatural carnal knowledge,” which is frequently interpreted by local authorities as consensual same-sex sexual relations. This is criminalized as a misdemeanor in Ghana. The U.S. Embassy is aware of arrests and related extortion attempts for such activities, but has not received reports of prosecutions.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : You may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Ghana’s Persons with Disabilities Act (2006) explicitly prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, health care, air travel and other transportation, and other domains. The government does not systematically or overtly discriminate against persons with disabilities, but such persons may experience societal discrimination.

Furthermore, the law provides persons with disabilities access to public buildings “as far as is practical.” However, most buildings, transportation, and educational facilities do not provide for people with special needs. Because many streets are unpaved or not well-maintained, and sidewalks are not prevalent, individuals in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking face challenges.

Students :  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : Rape is a crime in Ghana punishable by five to 25 years in prison. However, rape is significantly underreported and remains a serious problem. Domestic violence is a crime punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine. Police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence.

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularly outside the capital, Accra. You should carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of your prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue are a significant problem, and prevention of bites and proper Yellow Fever immunization are important for all areas. 

While in Ghana, you should carry and use insect repellents containing either 20 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535; treat clothing and tents with permethrin; and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.

Refer to the CDC website for  health information for travelers to Ghana.

For emergency services in Ghana, dial 211.

Ambulance services are:

• Not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
• Not staffed with trained paramedics, and often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Ghana.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals.   We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health Facilities in General :

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.  
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery :

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States, and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling.
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Ghana. 
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  

Pharmaceuticals :

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common, and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.   

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy :

• If you are considering traveling to Ghana to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Water Quality :

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Adventure Travel :

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

General Health :

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Dengue Fever
• Diarrheal Illness
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Typhoid Fever
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays.
• HIV/AIDS: Please visit https://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/ for information about HIV/AIDS in Ghana.  
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Ghana.   

Air Quality :

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Ghana. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.   
• Infants, children, and teens. 
• People over 65 years of age. 
• People with lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 
• People with heart disease or diabetes. 
• People who work or are active outdoors. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Main roads in major cities are generally paved and well-maintained. Secondary roads and many roads outside of major cities are mostly in poor condition. Many accidents occur on the highway from Accra to Cape Coast. Travel in darkness, particularly outside the major cities, is extremely hazardous due to poor street lighting and the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals. Aggressive drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, and overloaded vehicles pose serious threats to road safety.

Scammers may intentionally bump into vehicles and pretend to be hit. They then attempt to extort money from the vehicle’s occupants. Scams of this nature most commonly occur in congested urban areas.

There has been an increase in robberies on the highways from Bole-to-Wa and Kintampo-to-Tamale, as well as on other minor roads within parts of the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Eastern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. Embassy personnel are not permitted to travel at night outside of major cities, and are encouraged to avoid the areas listed in our  Travel Advisory . Remain vigilant, and drive with doors locked and windows up.

Traffic Laws : Travelers are routinely stopped at police checkpoints throughout Ghana, and vehicles and passengers may be searched. Drivers must possess an international driver’s license (available from  AAA  and the  American Automobile Touring Alliance ) or a Ghanaian driver’s license. When foreign drivers apply for their Ghanaian driver’s license, they may be asked to have their international driver’s license or their home country driver’s license confirmed by their embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Ghana is unable to authenticate such state-issued or international drivers’ licenses, and advises U.S. citizens to contact the National Identification Authority in Ghana or have their U.S. driver’s license authenticated in the United States prior to arriving in Ghana. While in Ghana, you should carry documentation of your immigration status, such as a passport and a visa.

Public Transportation : Safety standards for small private buses, often called tro-tros, are substandard.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of  Ghana’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ghana’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Due to safety concerns, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority prohibits transporting via air carrier any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone device.

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Ghana should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ghana . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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Ghana Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Ghana

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ghana entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Ghana from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ghana without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ghana?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ghana?

Mask usage in Ghana is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ghana?

Restaurants in Ghana are open. Bars in Ghana are .

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Ghana to require full vaccination for arriving travelers

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ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Ghana has announced that all adult visitors must provide proof of vaccination to enter the country, the government announced Friday, in an effort to prevent the escalation of coronavirus cases over the holiday period.

Ghanaian citizens and residents abroad have two weeks to cross the border unvaccinated after the order goes into effect on Dec. 12.

“The current increase in cases together with the detection of the omicron variant among international arrivals and the expected increase during the festive season calls for urgent actions to prevent a major surge in COVID-19 cases in Ghana,” the Ghana Health Service said in a statement.

Since November Ghana has been recording an average of 20 positive cases at the airport per day. Of the 34 cases of the omicron variant detected in Ghana so far, 75% of them were unvaccinated, the statement said. Over the last two weeks, cases from the airport account for about 60% of the total new cases recorded in the country.

A person must have taken the full recommended doses of vaccines approved and registered by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority, which includes one dose of Johnson & Johnson and two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Sputnik V.

Other arrival requirements include a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before travel and an antigen test upon arrival?? remain unchanged.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ghana
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Ghana , including:

• yellow fever

Marburg virus

In September 2022, Ghana declared an end to the Marburg virus disease outbreak that was first reported in July 2022. See more details about the outbreak and more information on Marburg virus and similar diseases . 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare in Ghana

Medical facilities are poor outside towns. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ghana . 

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Ghana .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.

Volume 30, Number 7—July 2024

Research Letter

Plasmodium vivax infections among immigrants from china traveling to the united states.

Suggested citation for this article

Beginning in 2023, we observed increased Plasmodium vivax malaria cases at an institution in Los Angeles, California, USA. Most cases were among migrants from China who traveled to the United States through South and Central America. US clinicians should be aware of possible P. vivax malaria among immigrants from China.

Plasmodium vivax , the most widely geographically distributed species of the Plasmodium genus, causes malaria in humans and is transmitted through the bite of infectious Anopheles mosquitoes. P. vivax is the second most prevalent cause of malaria globally and constitutes a large portion of the annual malaria cases in the Western Hemisphere; ≈397,000 cases of P. vivax malaria were reported in the Americas in 2022 ( 1 ). Conversely, P. vivax malaria is relatively infrequently encountered at most institutions in the United States because most cases are travel-associated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 72% of all P. vivax cases in the United States in 2018 were imported from malaria-endemic countries ( 2 ). A central epidemiologic factor of P. vivax is its ability to establish a dormant liver stage that can later reactivate, leading to episodic parasitemia. This latent stage poses a potential risk for transmission to another human through a mosquito vector if appropriate treatment is not administered ( 3 ).

Since early 2023, Los Angeles General Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, has observed a concerning rise in P. vivax cases, specifically among immigrants from China entering the United States via the southern US border. We diagnosed 10 cases of P. vivax malaria, 9 of which were among immigrants from China who came to the United States by land via South and Central America. In contrast, we only saw 2 cases of P. vivax at our institution during 2016–2022, one patient in 2017 and another in 2018, neither of whom were of Asian descent. In addition, we saw 1 case of non­– P. vivax malaria during that timeframe. All cases were diagnosed by thick and thin blood smear microscopy and the BinaxNOW Malaria test (Abbott Laboratories, https://www.abbott.com ).

Whether any of the 9 immigrants from China traveled together is unknown because they sought care individually at our institution. They all met criteria for uncomplicated malaria and were treated with either hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, or atovaquone/proguanil, followed by antirelapse treatment with primaquine ( Table ). Upon further correspondence with nearby microbiology laboratory directors, similar findings of dramatic increases in P. vivax cases since 2023 have also been observed in at least 1 local hospital that serves as a catchment area in the San Gabriel Valley, California, with a majority Asian American population. All cases were acquired by travel, and we noted no evidence of local transmission.

Of note, the United States Border Patrol reported a 1,000% increase in the number of immigrants from China arriving at the southern border during 2023 compared with previous years ( 4 ). The immigrants are primarily following a well-traveled route that begins in Ecuador, a country that does not require visas for citizens of China. From there, they traverse the jungle terrain of Panama’s Darién Gap, proceeding into Central America and Mexico before arriving at the southern US border.

Hospitals serving newly arrived immigrants should be cognizant of this new emigration route from China via South and Central America and the associated risk of acquiring P. vivax malaria. All patients should be screened for malaria when they have compatible symptoms, and a detailed travel history should always be obtained. A vital detail to consider with travel history is that patients with prior P. vivax infection can relapse weeks, months, or years after initial diagnosis because the parasites can lay dormant in the liver as hypnozoites ( 5 ). Persons with diagnosed malaria should be assessed for severe symptoms, such as impaired consciousness, severe anemia, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress, or shock. For severe P. vivax malaria, patients typically are treated with intravenous artesunate. For uncomplicated P. vivax malaria, providers can prescribe chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, artemether/lumefantrine, or atovaquone/proguanil, depending on endemic country-specific resistance factors and institutional formulary supply. Primaquine or tafenoquine are used afterwards as antirelapse treatment. Full treatment recommendations can be found on the CDC website ( 6 ). In addition, the CDC malaria hotline provides for immediate assistance ( 7 ).

Of note, China was declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization in 2021, and no indigenous cases of malaria had been reported since 2016, suggesting that travel from China is not an epidemiologic risk factor itself ( 8 ). If feasible, persons embarking on travel via the South and Central America route should consider taking malaria prophylaxis.

In conclusion, clinical microbiology laboratories, particularly those in border states, should consider implementing rapid antigen testing for malaria to improve turnaround time for case detection but should be aware of the potential for false-negative results in patients with low parasitemia levels ( 9 ). Clinicians also should be aware of the possibility for an increase in P. vivax malaria cases among immigrants from China arriving via the southern US border.

Dr. Khamly is a first-year fellow at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center Infectious Diseases Program. Her primary research interest is in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention.

• World Health Organization . World malaria report 2023. Geneva: The Organization; 2023 .
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• Customs  US , Border Protection  FY . 20–FY23 nationwide encounters by state [ cited 2024 Apr 10 ]. https://www.cbp.gov/document/stats/nationwide-encounters
• Flannery  EL , Kangwanrangsan  N , Chuenchob  V , Roobsoong  W , Fishbaugher  M , Zhou  K , et al. Plasmodium vivax latent liver infection is characterized by persistent hypnozoites, hypnozoite-derived schizonts, and time-dependent efficacy of primaquine. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev . 2022 ; 26 : 427 – 40 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar
• Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention . Malaria treatment (United States) [ cited 2024 Apr 10 ]. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/treatment.html
• Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention . Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria: contact us [ cited 2024 Apr 10 ]. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/contact.html
• World Health Organization, Global Malaria Programme . Countries and territories certified malaria-free by WHO [ cited 2024 Apr 10 ]. https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/elimination/countries-and-territories-certified-malaria-free-by-who
• Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention . DPDx—laboratory identification of parasites of public health concern: blood specimens, detection of parasite antigens [ cited 2024 Apr 25 ]. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/diagnosticprocedures/blood/antigendetection.html
• Table . Characteristics and treatment regimens of patients with diagnosed Plasmodium vivax infections among immigrants from China traveling to the United States via Central and South America, Los Angeles, California, USA, January...

Suggested citation for this article : Khamly P, Kapadia N, Umali-Wilcox M, Butler-Wu SM, Davar K. Plasmodium vivax infections among immigrants from China traveling to the United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Jul [ date cited ]. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3007.240177

DOI: 10.3201/eid3007.240177

Original Publication Date: May 06, 2024

Table of Contents – Volume 30, Number 7—July 2024

Please use the form below to submit correspondence to the authors or contact them at the following address:

Paloma Khamly, Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles General Medical Center, 1100 N State St, Clinic Tower, A6E, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

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