What is Malaria? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Malaria is a serious infection caused by tiny parasites that mosquitoes carry and spread to people through their bites. When an infected mosquito bites you, these parasites enter your bloodstream and travel to your liver, where they multiply before attacking your red blood cells.

This disease affects millions of people worldwide each year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While malaria can be life-threatening if left untreated, the good news is that it's both preventable and curable when caught early and treated properly.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Malaria symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after you've been bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some types can remain dormant in your liver for months or even years before causing symptoms.

The most common early signs often feel like having a severe flu. You might experience high fever that comes and goes in cycles, intense chills that make you shiver uncontrollably, and heavy sweating episodes. Many people also develop severe headaches and feel extremely tired.

Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• High fever (often above 101°F) that may spike and fall in patterns
• Severe chills and shaking
• Heavy sweating, especially after fever breaks
• Intense headaches
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Diarrhea

Some people may also notice their skin and eyes turning slightly yellow, which happens when the parasites destroy red blood cells faster than your body can replace them.

In severe cases, malaria can cause more serious complications. These include difficulty breathing, confusion or altered mental state, seizures, and severe anemia. If you notice any of these warning signs, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

What are the types of malaria?

There are five main types of malaria parasites that can infect humans, though two are responsible for most cases worldwide. Each type behaves slightly differently in your body and requires specific treatment approaches.

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria and is responsible for most malaria deaths. This type can quickly become life-threatening because it affects your brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. It's most common in sub-Saharan Africa.

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread type globally and can remain dormant in your liver for months or years. When it reactivates, you'll experience recurring episodes of symptoms. This type is more common in Asia and Latin America.

The other three types are less common but still important to know about:

• Plasmodium ovale - similar to vivax, can cause relapsing infections
• Plasmodium malariae - causes milder symptoms but can persist for decades
• Plasmodium knowlesi - originally found in monkeys, increasingly affecting humans in Southeast Asia

Your doctor will determine which type you have through blood tests, as this affects your treatment plan and follow-up care.

What causes malaria?

Malaria happens when female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites bite you and inject these microscopic organisms into your bloodstream. Only certain species of mosquitoes can carry and transmit malaria parasites.

Once inside your body, the parasites travel to your liver where they mature and multiply. After about a week, they leave your liver and enter your bloodstream, where they invade and destroy your red blood cells. This destruction of red blood cells causes most of the symptoms you experience.

The cycle continues when another mosquito bites you and picks up the parasites from your infected blood. Inside the mosquito, the parasites develop further and become ready to infect the next person the mosquito bites.

It's important to understand that malaria cannot spread directly from person to person through casual contact, coughing, or sneezing. You can only get malaria through mosquito bites, blood transfusions from infected donors, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.

When to see a doctor for malaria?

You should seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of traveling to an area where malaria is common. Even if you took preventive medications, you could still develop the infection.

Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Malaria can progress rapidly from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications within 24 to 48 hours, especially with certain types of the parasite.

Contact emergency services right away if you experience any of these serious warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Confusion or altered consciousness
• Seizures or convulsions
• Severe vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down
• Signs of severe anemia (extreme weakness, pale skin)
• Dark or bloody urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it's always better to be evaluated by a healthcare provider if there's any possibility you could have malaria. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and ensure a full recovery.

What are the risk factors for malaria?

Your risk of getting malaria depends mainly on where you live or travel, though several other factors can increase your chances of infection or severe disease. Understanding these risks can help you take appropriate precautions.

Geographic location is the biggest risk factor. Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Central and South America. Within these areas, rural and remote locations typically have higher transmission rates.

Here are the main factors that increase your malaria risk:

• Living in or traveling to malaria-endemic areas
• Not using proper mosquito protection measures
• Traveling during rainy seasons when mosquito populations peak
• Staying in accommodations without proper screening or air conditioning
• Spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

Certain groups face higher risks of severe malaria if infected. Young children under 5 years old haven't yet developed immunity and are more vulnerable to serious complications. Pregnant women are also at increased risk, as malaria can cause complications for both mother and baby.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, may develop more severe infections. Additionally, if you grew up in a malaria-free area, you won't have the partial immunity that people in endemic regions develop over time.

What are the possible complications of malaria?

While malaria is treatable, it can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The severity of complications often depends on which type of malaria parasite you have and how quickly you receive treatment.

Severe malaria, most commonly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can affect multiple organ systems in your body. This happens when the parasites clog small blood vessels, reducing blood flow to vital organs.

The most serious complications include:

• Cerebral malaria - affects the brain, causing seizures, coma, or permanent brain damage
• Severe anemia - from destruction of red blood cells, leading to weakness and breathing problems
• Acute respiratory distress - fluid buildup in lungs making breathing difficult
• Kidney failure - from reduced blood flow and toxin buildup
• Liver failure - causing jaundice and bleeding problems
• Low blood sugar - can cause confusion, seizures, or coma
• Shock - from severe fluid loss and organ dysfunction

In pregnant women, malaria can cause additional complications including premature birth, low birth weight babies, and increased risk of miscarriage. The infection can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.

Some people may experience long-term effects even after successful treatment, including persistent fatigue, memory problems, or recurring fever episodes. However, most people recover completely when malaria is caught and treated early.

How can malaria be prevented?

Preventing malaria focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, taking preventive medications. The good news is that with proper precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

Mosquito bite prevention is your first line of defense. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Here are key prevention strategies:

• Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets
• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing
• Wear protective clothing covering arms and legs
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin insecticide
• Remove standing water around your living area

If you're traveling to a malaria-endemic area, your doctor may recommend taking preventive medication called chemoprophylaxis. These medications help prevent infection if you're bitten by an infected mosquito.

The specific medication depends on where you're traveling, how long you'll stay, and your medical history. You'll typically start taking the medication before your trip, continue during your stay, and for several weeks after returning home.

How is malaria diagnosed?

Diagnosing malaria requires laboratory tests to detect the parasites in your blood. Your doctor cannot diagnose malaria based on symptoms alone, as they're similar to many other illnesses like flu or food poisoning.

The most common diagnostic test is a blood smear examination, where a drop of your blood is examined under a microscope. Laboratory technicians look for malaria parasites inside your red blood cells and can identify which type of parasite is causing your infection.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) provide quicker results, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. These tests detect specific proteins produced by malaria parasites in your blood. While convenient, they may not be as accurate as microscopic examination in all cases.

Your doctor may also order additional tests to check for complications:

• Complete blood count to check for anemia
• Blood glucose levels to detect low blood sugar
• Liver function tests to assess liver health
• Kidney function tests if severe malaria is suspected

If initial tests are negative but your doctor still suspects malaria, they may repeat the blood tests. Sometimes parasites are present in such low numbers that they're missed on the first test.

What is the treatment for malaria?

Malaria is curable with proper treatment, and most people recover completely when treatment begins promptly. The specific medications and treatment approach depend on which type of malaria parasite you have and how severe your infection is.

For uncomplicated malaria, your doctor will prescribe oral medications that you can take at home. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most dangerous type.

Common treatment medications include:

• Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem) - taken twice daily for 3 days
• Artesunate-amodiaquine - daily for 3 days
• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) - daily for 3 days
• Chloroquine - for certain types of malaria still sensitive to this drug
• Primaquine - added for liver-stage parasites in some types

If you have severe malaria or cannot keep oral medications down due to vomiting, you'll need hospital treatment with intravenous medications. Artesunate given through an IV is the preferred treatment for severe malaria.

Your doctor will also treat any complications that develop, such as providing supportive care for organ dysfunction, managing seizures, or treating severe anemia with blood transfusions if necessary.

Most people start feeling better within 48 to 72 hours of beginning treatment, though complete recovery may take several weeks. It's crucial to take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, even if you start feeling better.

How to manage malaria at home during treatment?

While taking your prescribed medications, there are several things you can do at home to help your body recover and manage symptoms. Remember that home care supports your medical treatment but never replaces it.

Rest is essential for recovery. Your body needs energy to fight the infection, so avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep. Don't worry if you feel very tired for several weeks after treatment - this is normal.

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're experiencing fever, sweating, or vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions. Small, frequent sips work better than large amounts at once if you're feeling nauseous.

Here are helpful home care strategies:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better
• Use fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Apply cool, damp cloths to your forehead during fever
• Eat light, easy-to-digest foods when you feel like eating
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration
• Continue using mosquito protection to prevent reinfection

Monitor your symptoms closely and contact your doctor if they worsen or new symptoms develop. You should also call if you can't keep medications down due to vomiting, as you may need alternative treatment.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment helps ensure your doctor has all the information needed to diagnose and treat your condition effectively. The more details you can provide about your symptoms and travel history, the better.

Write down your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and any patterns you've noticed. Note if your fever comes and goes in cycles, as this can be an important clue for malaria diagnosis.

Your travel history is crucial information to bring:

• Countries and regions you've visited in the past year
• Dates of travel and how long you stayed in each location
• Types of accommodations you used
• Preventive measures you took (medications, bed nets, repellent)
• Any mosquito bites you remember
• Activities you did, especially outdoor activities

Bring a list of all medications you're currently taking, including any malaria prevention drugs you used during travel. Also include any supplements or over-the-counter medications.

Prepare questions to ask your doctor, such as what tests you might need, how long treatment takes, and what complications to watch for. Don't hesitate to ask about anything you don't understand.

What's the key takeaway about malaria?

Malaria is a serious but preventable and treatable disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The most important thing to remember is that early diagnosis and treatment lead to complete recovery in most cases.

If you're traveling to areas where malaria is common, taking proper precautions can significantly reduce your risk. This includes using mosquito protection measures and taking preventive medications when recommended by your doctor.

Should you develop fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms during or after travel to malaria-endemic areas, seek medical attention promptly. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own, as malaria can progress quickly from mild to severe.

With proper medical care, most people recover completely from malaria without long-term effects. The key is recognizing the symptoms early and getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible.