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What are the Signs of Malaria?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The classic signs of malaria infection include fever, chills, sweating, and fatigue. Other symptoms can also develop, depending on the patient's general level of health and which species of malaria parasite is responsible for the infection. People can start to see signs within a week of infection in some cases, and in others, it may take as long as 10 months for the symptoms to start developing. Patients who live or have recently traveled in areas with endemic malaria should receive evaluation for malaria infection if they develop symptoms.

Malaria is a blood infection with a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Notoriously, it tends to be cyclical in nature. Patients will experience a flareup and then return to normal health, with the time between flareups varying. In addition to the symptoms listed above, other common signs of malaria include nausea and vomiting, headache, muscle pain, an enlarged spleen, and a dry cough. This condition can lead to breakdown of red blood cells, causing anemia, bloody urine, and jaundice.

Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites.

In some patients, signs of malaria can also involve the brain. This condition has been known to cause brain damage, resulting in convulsions, retinal damage, and the development of cognitive impairments. Especially in children, malaria can be very dangerous and may cause lifelong disabilities, depending on which parasite is responsible and how aggressively it is treated. Children with malaria can also develop an awkward posture, evidence of damage in the motor neurons of the central nervous system.

Fever, headache, and nausea often occur during the second phase of a malarial attack.
Fever, headache, and nausea often occur during the second phase of a malarial attack.

Medications are available to treat people with the signs of malaria and to provide continuing care over the patient's lifetime. People with this parasitic infection receive the best outcomes if they are treated as early as possible in the progress of the infection. There are also steps people can take to reduce the risk of developing malaria, including taking prophylactic drugs, sleeping under mosquito nets, and using bug repellent to keep insects away from the body.

The symptoms of a malarial infection often mimic those associated with influenza.
The symptoms of a malarial infection often mimic those associated with influenza.

In equatorial regions of the world, malaria is a well documented, common condition. Outside these areas, it is unusual. Patients who develop signs of malaria when they have recently traveled should make sure their doctors know, as malaria may not be considered as a diagnosis if a doctor thinks a patient could not possibly have been exposed. Patients planning on traveling can meet with their doctors to discuss options for prophylaxis and other measures they can take to reduce their risks while traveling.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

Malaria symptoms can show up after ten months or a year?! If a mosquito bit me ten months ago and I got these symptoms, I would never think of malaria. I can see how it has become widespread in some parts of the world.

Before you even see any signs, you could be spreading the disease as more mosquitoes bite. So scary! I'm so glad it doesn't happen in the U.S. I don't think I will be able to travel to countries with malaria. I'm too scared.

turquoise

Americans who serve overseas do generally receive a malaria shot before they travel. But they are also informed about diseases they need to take preventive measures for.

When I was working for human resources at a governmental agency, we used to organize information sessions about different diseases where government employees often traveled. Something I can add here from that is the need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

These signs are the most commonly seen, but they can be seen individually or together in different people. We always tell employees to get a check up immediately if they have any health concerns. The sooner diseases like malaria are diagnosed and treated, the better it is.

discographer

The signs of malaria seem distinct enough for it not to be confused with other things I think. Some symptoms do resemble the flu, but when I have the flu I am not freezing and then hot and then sweating in cycles.

I hope I will never come across malaria but I think I would be able to recognize it from these symptoms if I ever saw it.

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    • Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites.
      By: hjschneider
      Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites.
    • Fever, headache, and nausea often occur during the second phase of a malarial attack.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Fever, headache, and nausea often occur during the second phase of a malarial attack.
    • The symptoms of a malarial infection often mimic those associated with influenza.
      By: emde71
      The symptoms of a malarial infection often mimic those associated with influenza.
    • Malaria can cause damage to the motor neurons of the central nervous system.
      By: kateryna zakorko
      Malaria can cause damage to the motor neurons of the central nervous system.