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It is important that a blood test is made to be sure of what you are suffering from.
It is also vital that treatment starts within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, to prevent progression to severe malaria or death.
Typical symptoms of malaria
Sudden onset of high fever with rigors (sweating and shivers) and sensation of extreme colds followed by feeling of burning, leading to profuse sweating and remission of fever by crisis thereafter.
A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above (occurs at regular times), vomiting, body and muscle pains, headaches and diarrheoa may be associated features.
In some cases, it can affect the brain or kidneys.
In many health centres in Africa and malaria prone regions, it is common to see patients with these signs and symptoms being treated for malaria even before lab results come in.
All the signs and symptoms can be similar to other infections, but if they show in particularly malaria prone countries, they are most likely to be as a result of malaria.
Atypical symptoms
In atypical cases, classical presentation as mentioned above may not manifest. Hence, any fever case until unless proved otherwise, may be considered as malaria in the endemic areas during transmission season.
In most of the cases, the first symptoms are not specific and similar to those of a minor viral illness with malaise, headache, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and muscle aches followed by fever and chills. Repeated infections lead to anaemia, enlargement of spleen, and chronic ill health with bouts of fever. Most patients with uncomplicated acute infection have few abnormal physical findings other mild anaemia and in some cases a palpable spleeng.Severe & Complicated Malaria.
Online Reporter