Malaria: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Malaria - A mosquito-borne parasite infection causing fever and chills; can become severe quickly.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe disease, while Plasmodium vivax is common in South Asia and can relapse months later. Symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after an infective bite.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Mosquito bites in malaria-endemic areas
- Travel without preventive medicine
- Pregnant women and young children face higher risk
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever with chills and sweating
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Symptoms may come in cycles
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Confusion, seizures or drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Dark urine or jaundice
- Severe weakness or inability to drink
Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging
Malaria is confirmed with a blood test: microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). WHO recommends testing before treatment.
Treatment and Medicines
Uncomplicated falciparum malaria is treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Vivax malaria also needs medicine to prevent relapse. Severe malaria needs hospital treatment with injectable artesunate.
Emergency
If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.
Complications
Severe anemia, cerebral malaria, kidney failure and death.
Prevention
- Sleep under insecticide-treated nets
- Use repellents and cover skin
- Remove standing water
- Preventive medicines for travellers as advised
Outlook and Follow-up
Early diagnosis and correct treatment usually lead to full recovery.
Patient Education
Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Malaria guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can malaria spread person to person?
Not through casual contact; it spreads through mosquito bites.
Is there a malaria vaccine?
WHO recommends malaria vaccines for children in certain endemic regions.
How soon do symptoms start?
Often 10-15 days after a bite, but vivax can relapse months later.
Sources
We summarise these sources in our own words. Mention of an organisation does not imply endorsement.