Malaria
A mosquito-borne infection caused by Plasmodium parasites. It can cause fever and systemic illness and may become life-threatening, particularly when caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
A closer look
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
It commonly affects the blood and can progress rapidly to severe disease if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
What can cause it
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through infected mosquito bites. The main species affecting humans include:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium malariae
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium knowlesi
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting Severe malaria may cause confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe anaemia, jaundice or loss of consciousness.
Who may be more at risk
Living in or travelling to malaria-endemic areas
Limited use of mosquito protection
Lack of effective malaria prevention
Young children
Pregnancy
Reduced immunity
How it is assessed
Malaria should be confirmed with a diagnostic test rather than symptoms alone. Diagnosis is commonly made using:
- Malaria blood film microscopy
- Malaria rapid diagnostic tests
Tests that may be used
Depending on the clinical presentation, assessment may include:
- Malaria microscopy or rapid diagnostic test
- Full blood count
- Blood glucose
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Other investigations guided by severity and complications
Treatment and management
Treatment depends on the malaria species, severity, local resistance patterns, pregnancy status and previous treatment.
Uncomplicated malaria is treated with an appropriate antimalarial regimen.
Severe malaria requires urgent hospital management and parenteral antimalarial treatment together with supportive care and management of complications.
Treatment should follow current national or local malaria guidelines.
Reducing the risk
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Use appropriate mosquito repellents
Reduce mosquito exposure, particularly at night
Use indoor residual spraying where available
Seek appropriate preventive medication when travelling to malaria-endemic areas
Test promptly when malaria is suspected
When to get medical help
Seek urgent medical attention if malaria is suspected and there is:
- Altered consciousness or confusion
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe weakness
- Persistent vomiting
- Inability to drink or take medication
- Severe anaemia or jaundice
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
