A Case of Latent Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in a Patient With Coexisting Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Malaria is a global health concern with high morbidity and mortality. It is often attributed to the Plasmodium (P.) falciparum species, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and it normally has an incubation period of seven to 14 days. Dormant disease secondary to P. vivax and P. ovale is well-reported, yet only a handful of cases report dormant malaria secondary to P. falciparum. Even though malaria is significantly less common in the United States in comparison to other parts of the world, it is still a growing concern given international travel from endemic regions and a growing immunocompromised population. Here, we present a case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and renal transplant without travel to sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years.