Malaria remains a worldwide health issue, particularly in subtropical and tropical zones. It is caused by parasites spread to humans by bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Early detection and treatment are important to control malaria and stay away from serious complications and death. Typical symptoms and signs of malaria may help individuals recognize the disease at its earliest stages.

In this article, we’ll discuss ten signs and symptoms of malaria disease you should not ignore.

Fever

Fever is probably the most common malaria symptom and in most cases appears within several weeks after getting bitten by an infected mosquito. The malaria-associated fever often occurs in cycles every two to three days, as malaria parasites live in the bloodstream. Chills, sweating and shivering are common with high fever.

Chills

Along with fever, chills are another common sign of malaria. The cycles of sudden coldness followed by shivering are classic presentations of the disease. Chills are uncomfortable and can make the person feel more debilitating. During malaria, the fever and chills are brought on by the entire body attempting to repel the invading parasites.

Headache

A persistent severe headache is a common symptom of malaria fever and chills. This may be mistaken for a normal tension-type headache or a migraine. However, headache accompanying a fever and especially after traveling to a malaria-endemic area should suggest malaria as a cause.

Sweating

Excessive sweating may occur along with the fever and chills cycle. As body temperature increases with a fever, sweating is an adaptation of cooling the body. Sweating may also occur as the fever lessens and the person feels weaker but less feverish.

Nausea and Vomiting

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can be presenting symptoms of malaria cases. Such signs and symptoms of malaria could create a mistaken diagnosis of food poisoning or a bacterial illness. However, in association with the classic manifestations of fever, chills, and headache they may suggest malaria, especially after previous exposure.

Muscle Pains and Fatigue

Generalized body aches and muscle pains are common and contribute to tiredness and weakness in malaria patients. The fatigue caused by malaria can be profound, last weeks and interfere with daily activities.

Abdominal Pain

Some malaria patients report abdominal pain associated with an enlarged spleen or liver, which can occur in this disease. The pain may also be associated with less common but serious gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as diarrhea.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is less prevalent compared to other symptoms although it can be certain in various cases of malaria and contributes to the debilitation of the patient. This sign and other malaria symptoms should prompt medical attention.

Rapid Breathing or Difficulty Breathing

In severe cases of malaria, respiratory symptoms include rapid Breathing, or respiratory distress. These symptoms are serious and generally reflect complications such as pulmonary edema or metabolic acidosis which call for immediate treatment.

Altered Mental Status

Confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness are serious manifestations of severe malaria and may implicate the central nervous system (cerebral malaria). Cerebral malaria is life threatening and requires urgent critical care.

Conclusion

Malaria symptoms may be nonspecific and symptomatic like those of many other diseases, which sometimes delays treatment and diagnosis. Those displaying symptoms and signs of malaria need to get medical attention, particularly in case they happen after travelling to locations where the condition is endemic. Recovery and prevention from severe disease and related complications require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Malaria symptoms and signs indicate the body’s battle with the malaria parasite. Recognizing these indicators may save lives, especially in areas affected by this disease. Prompt consultation with healthcare providers, testing, and compliance with preventive measures are important strategies for the fight against malaria. The Department of Internal Medicine at Thumbay Hospital Fujairah serves patients of any age in outpatient and inpatient care. We are equipped to manage all chronic and acute illnesses. Our healthcare team is certified and trained to handle all cases.

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