What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious infection that develops after a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying the Plasmodium parasite. The disease is caused by parasites that enter the bloodstream and affect red blood cells.
Your risk is higher if you travel to areas where malaria is common, especially if you spend time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical parts of the world and is often linked to international travel.
Some forms of malaria can become severe and lead to serious health problems involving the brain, kidneys, liver, or lungs if not treated quickly. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to severe complications if treatment is delayed. Early medical care is important for a full recovery.
Symptoms
Malaria symptoms often begin within a few weeks after a mosquito bite, though some types can appear months later. The illness may feel similar to the flu at first.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills and sweating
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- General feeling of illness
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose malaria by reviewing your symptoms, travel history, and recent possible mosquito exposure. A physical exam is usually followed by blood tests that look for malaria parasites in the bloodstream.
Because malaria symptoms can resemble other infections, testing is important for an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, repeat blood tests may be needed.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the type of malaria parasite, how severe the infection is, and your overall health. Most people are treated with prescription antimalarial medications that kill the parasites in the blood.
For milder cases, treatment may include:
- Oral antimalarial medicines
- Fever-reducing medications
- Rest and hydration
More serious infections may require hospital care with:
- Intravenous (IV) medications or fluids
- Monitoring for complications
- Supportive care for breathing, kidney, or liver problems
Prompt treatment greatly improves recovery and helps prevent severe complications.
