The observed or calculated probability of the occurrence of an event, Xâe.g., toxic exposure, infection, etc.âin a population relative to its exposure to a specific hazard or pathogen. Absolute risk is risk stated without any context whatsoever.
Malaria is a serious infection. It is common in tropical countries such as parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium that lives in mosquitoes.
In the United States, approximately 1,000--1,500 cases of malaria are reported annually to CDC (3). Nearly all of the cases diagnosed in the United States are imported from regions of the world where malaria is endemic. However, a limited number of cases also are acquired through local mosquitoborne transmission.