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Malaria
Urgent
Malaria is a potentially serious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted primarily through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It commonly causes fever, chills, sweating, headache, weakness, and body aches. Some forms of malaria can progress rapidly and cause severe complications affecting the brain, blood, kidneys, or other organs.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Malaria requires prompt medical assessment and treatment because some forms can progress rapidly to severe disease. Seek urgent care for fever with chills or other symptoms after possible mosquito exposure in a malaria-risk area. Emergency assessment is needed for confusion, seizures, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, jaundice with severe illness, repeated vomiting, fainting, or other signs of severe malaria or organ dysfunction.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Malaria is a potentially serious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted primarily through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It commonly causes fever, chills, sweating, headache, weakness, and body aches. Some forms of malaria can progress rapidly and cause severe complications affecting the brain, blood, kidneys, or other organs.
Symptoms 4
Fatigue
Fever
High Fever
Increased Appetite
Causes 1
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. An infected Anopheles mosquito introduces parasites into the bloodstream during a bite. The parasites travel to the liver and subsequently infect red blood cells, where they multiply and cause recurring illness. Rarely, transmission can occur through infected blood, contaminated needles, or from an infected mother to her baby.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk depends strongly on geographic exposure to malaria transmission. Travel or residence in areas where malaria is common increases risk, particularly without effective mosquito precautions or preventive medicines when indicated. Young children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with weakened immunity may be more likely to develop severe disease or complications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Malaria should be considered in a person with fever who has recently lived in or traveled to an area where malaria occurs. Diagnosis requires testing for Plasmodium parasites, commonly through blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests. Molecular testing may be used in some settings. Repeated testing can sometimes be necessary when initial testing is negative but clinical suspicion remains high.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and using recommended malaria prevention measures when traveling to affected areas
Protective clothing, insect repellent, screened or air-conditioned sleeping areas, and insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce exposure
Depending on destination and individual circumstances, preventive antimalarial medicines may be recommended
Travelers should seek medical advice before visiting malaria-endemic regions
Prevention Guidance
Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and using recommended malaria prevention measures when traveling to affected areas. Protective clothing, insect repellent, screened or air-conditioned sleeping areas, and insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce exposure. Depending on destination and individual circumstances, preventive antimalarial medicines may be recommended. Travelers should seek medical advice before visiting malaria-endemic regions.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Coconut Water
Helps maintain hydration.
Fresh Fruits
Provide vitamins and minerals.
Vegetable Soup
Easy to digest and nutritious.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen dehydration.
Oily Foods
May delay recovery.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease.
Fever, chills, sweating and fatigue are common symptoms.
It spreads through bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
Blood tests are used to identify malaria parasites.
Yes, mosquito control and protective measures help prevent malaria.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.