Understanding Malaria

What causes malaria?

The parasite that causes malaria is passed to people in bites from a certain type of mosquito. In rare cases, it may also be spread when someone gets infected blood in a transfusion, or through sharing needles. Pregnant mothers who have malaria may pass it to their babies, but this is also rare.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Malaria can have a wide variety of symptoms. These may include:

• Fever.

• Chills and shivering.

• Sweating.

• Tiredness or feeling unwell.

• Headache.

• Cough.

• Body aches and restlessness.

• Confusion or seizures.

• Skin or eyes that look yellow (jaundice).

• Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea.

After a bite from an infected mosquito, symptoms usually show up within a few days or weeks. But sometimes, they may not appear until years later. Symptoms are usually worse in very young children and travelers. People who live in areas where malaria is common often get a more mild disease. Malaria can also come back after months or even years if not treated fully.

A health care provider will make a diagnosis of malaria based on your symptoms and a physical exam. When possible, lab tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.

How is malaria treated?

Treatment focuses on killing the parasite that causes malaria. This is done by giving you medicine to get rid of the parasite. Other treatments work on specific symptoms that each person may have.

How can you prevent malaria?

Public health steps are used worldwide to cut down on the number of mosquitoes that can spread the illness. This can be done through chemical spraying or by removing breeding areas. If you are planning to travel to places where malaria is common, talk with your health care provider. You may be able to take medicines to prevent malaria. Preventing mosquito bites in malaria areas also helps to prevent malaria. Here are some ways to prevent getting mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent when you are outside. Use repellent with an active ingredient recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These include DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Read labels carefully. Follow all instructions and precautions, especially for children.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outside.

• Use screens on windows and mosquito netting over beds.

What are the possible complications of malaria?

Malaria can have serious complications. These can include:

• Too few red blood cells (anemia). This can cause weakness and tiredness.

• Damage to internal organs, especially the spleen and kidneys.

• Swelling of the brain or brain damage.

• Low blood pressure.

• Problems with blood chemistry, including low blood sugar.

• Death.

When should you contact your doctor?

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Confusion or seizures.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

• Pain that gets worse.

• Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or symptoms that get worse.

• New symptoms.