Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
When someone in the U.S. comes down withmalaria, it’s usually because they were infected while visiting a region of the world where the disease is common.
This article explains the symptoms of malaria and its causes. It covers how malaria is diagnosed and what can be done to not only cure malaria but also prevent it.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Happens if You Get Malaria?
Mostsymptoms of malariaare the result of toxins that the parasite produces when it invades red blood cells. These toxins can cause anemia and, in many cases, blockages in small blood vessels throughout the body.
There are five different species ofparasitesthat can cause malaria in humans. The one that is most deadly to humans isPlasmodium falciparum.P. falciparumis mainly found on the African content. If untreated, infections with this parasite can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.
P. vivaxalso poses a great threat and is found in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The other three malaria species that can infect humans areP. malariae,P. ovale, andP. knowlesi.
The symptoms of malaria may occur within a week after the infection or not until after one year or more. Symptoms include:
Malaria can cause serious effects in as many as 60% of people who become infected, especially those with immune system deficiencies. People who are infected while pregnant may become very ill and can have babies with birth defects or a malarial infection.
How long can you live with malaria untreated?Complications that are associated with malaria include:AnemiaThrombocytopenia(a condition in which a low blood platelet count interferes with normal blood clotting)Kidney problemsCerebral malaria (not common but can be devastating or even fatal)Coma, loss of consciousness, or death
How long can you live with malaria untreated?
Complications that are associated with malaria include:AnemiaThrombocytopenia(a condition in which a low blood platelet count interferes with normal blood clotting)Kidney problemsCerebral malaria (not common but can be devastating or even fatal)Coma, loss of consciousness, or death
Complications that are associated with malaria include:
Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System
Causes of Malaria
Once the infective form of a Plasmodium parasite enters the body, it hunkers down in the liver, reproduces, and then enters the red blood cells. At this point, symptoms of malaria will begin to appear.
Besides direct infection from a mosquito bite, it’s possible for malaria to be transmitted via a blood transfusion, though it’s very rare in the U.S. Babies sometimes acquire the parasite from their mothers before birth.People with immune system deficiencies, including women who are pregnant, are more likely to develop malaria after being bitten.
Malaria is rare in the United States but is an ongoing problem in certain parts of the world with a tropical climate and a lot of still water where mosquitoes thrive. People who live in these regions, as well as visitors, are at high risk of becoming infected.
Malaria Causes and Risk Factors
Diagnosing Malaria
The diagnosis of malaria can be delayed because the initial symptoms are often so vague and general that flu seems more likely than a parasitic infection. In addition, the lengthyincubation periodmeans that characteristic symptoms of malaria may not appear for weeks or months after the mosquito bite took place.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can test forantigensfrom malaria parasites. RDTs can deliver results in less than 15 minutes but aren’t quite as good as a blood smear microscopy test. In the U.S., you need to see a healthcare provider for RDTs.
Another option is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. These tests are extremely good at detecting malaria, but it takes longer to get the results. PCR tests can also tell you exactly what species of malaria parasite you have and detect mixed infections.
What Is Malaria?
A non-invasive test such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is sometimes used if there’s a possibility that malaria has spread to the brain.
Because some of the symptoms of malaria are similar to those of certain other conditions, diagnostic tests may be necessary to definitively differentiate malaria from illnesses. The tests can look forviral or bacterial infections,sepsis(a body-wide reaction to a bacterial bloodstream infection), and asickle cell anemia crisis.
Sickle Cell and Malaria: What’s the Link?
Can Malaria Be Cured?
In general, malaria is curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.It’s important to startmalaria treatmentas soon as possible.
Malaria is treated with prescription anti-parasitic medications, such as chloroquine and doxycycline. Additionally, a combination of home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for managing symptoms can help while you are recovering.
Malaria drugs may have side effects.Doxycycline, which is sold under several brand names including Acticlate and Vibramycin, can make skin especially sensitive and prone to sunburn and also cause gastrointestinal problems, for example.
To alleviate symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache, get plenty of fluids and get enough rest. You can also manage your body temperature with blankets if you’re chilled or ice packs if you’re feverish. TakingOTC pain relieversand anti-fever medications can help.
The best treatment for uncomplicatedPlasmodium falciparummalaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). ACTs consist of two components—an artemisinin derivative and a drug from a different class.
Malaria Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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Preventing Malaria
Prevention and managing to avoid the infection altogether are key aspects of managing malaria.
What You Can DoHere are some steps to take if you’re planning to be in a country where there’s a risk of malaria:Pack protection: This means ample amounts of an effectivebug spraythat contains the insect repellent DEET.Keep covered: Long sleeves and long pants can deter mosquitoes. If you’re going to be sleeping where mosquitoes might gather at night, use a mosquito net.Take prophylactic medications: You can check updated CDC guidelines to see if it’s recommended for travelers who are going to the area where you are going.
What You Can Do
Here are some steps to take if you’re planning to be in a country where there’s a risk of malaria:Pack protection: This means ample amounts of an effectivebug spraythat contains the insect repellent DEET.Keep covered: Long sleeves and long pants can deter mosquitoes. If you’re going to be sleeping where mosquitoes might gather at night, use a mosquito net.Take prophylactic medications: You can check updated CDC guidelines to see if it’s recommended for travelers who are going to the area where you are going.
Here are some steps to take if you’re planning to be in a country where there’s a risk of malaria:
Many of the medications used for malaria prevention are the same medications that are used for treatment. By takingprophylacticmedication, you can avoid the whole process of becoming sick, and you won’t have to worry about complications from the infection.
A hesitation people often have about taking preventive medications for malaria is the risk of side effects. Of particular concern are hallucinations and other psychiatric symptoms, which most often are associated with mefloquine.
Is Travel Health Insurance Necessary?
Summary
Diagnostic tests can detect the presence of the parasite. Prescription medications can both treat and prevent malaria. If you’re traveling to a country where malaria is commonplace, talk to your healthcare provider and check the CDC recommendations to see if you need to take precautions, such as using insect repellent or takingprophylactic medication.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria disease basics.World Health Organization.Malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria transmission in the United States.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About malaria: disease.Malaria Consortium.Artemisinin-based combination therapy.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Mefloquine.Tan KR, Magill AJ, Parise ME, Arguin PM.Doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment: report from the CDC Expert Meeting on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;84(4):517-531. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0285
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria disease basics.World Health Organization.Malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria transmission in the United States.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About malaria: disease.Malaria Consortium.Artemisinin-based combination therapy.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Mefloquine.Tan KR, Magill AJ, Parise ME, Arguin PM.Doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment: report from the CDC Expert Meeting on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;84(4):517-531. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0285
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria disease basics.World Health Organization.Malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria transmission in the United States.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for malaria.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About malaria: disease.Malaria Consortium.Artemisinin-based combination therapy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria disease basics.
World Health Organization.Malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria transmission in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About malaria: disease.
Malaria Consortium.Artemisinin-based combination therapy.
MedlinePlus.Mefloquine.Tan KR, Magill AJ, Parise ME, Arguin PM.Doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment: report from the CDC Expert Meeting on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;84(4):517-531. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0285
MedlinePlus.Mefloquine.
Tan KR, Magill AJ, Parise ME, Arguin PM.Doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment: report from the CDC Expert Meeting on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011;84(4):517-531. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0285
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