Infectious
Malaria
Also known as: Plasmodium infection, Mosquito fever
Malaria condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms often begin a few days after a bite and can resemble a severe flu. Young children, pregnant people, and anyone with weakened immunity face a higher risk of severe illness.
Symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Sweating
- Muscle or joint aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Causes
Infection occurs when an infected mosquito injects parasites into the bloodstream. Risk rises near standing water, when sleeping without a net, and during rainy seasons.
Treatment (general information)
Malaria is treated with specific medicines after a blood test or rapid diagnostic test confirms infection. Do not self-medicate with pharmacy drugs without professional advice. Seek care promptly if fever persists, especially for children and pregnant people.
Prevention
Sleep under an insecticide-treated net, close windows at dusk, clear standing water near the home, and use approved mosquito repellents. Pregnant people may need preventive medicine as advised in antenatal care.
When to see a doctor
Go to a clinic right away for fever, severe chills, vomiting, confusion, or malaria-like symptoms after travel in a risk area.
Frequently asked questions
- Can malaria come back?
- Yes. Some parasite types can remain in the body and cause symptoms again later. That is why finishing all prescribed medicine and follow-up testing matter.
- Is a mosquito net enough?
- A treated net greatly lowers risk, but combining it with a cleaner environment and fast treatment when ill is even safer.