What Is Malaria Fever? Symptoms & Causes

Malaria Fever
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Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, of which there are four types that can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly and is responsible for the majority of malaria deaths. 

The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites a person, it injects the parasite into the person's bloodstream. 

The parasite then travels to the liver where it multiplies, before entering the red blood cells and multiplying again. This causes the red blood cells to rupture, releasing more parasites into the bloodstream, which then infect more red blood cells. This cycle causes the symptoms of malaria, including fever and anemia.

What Is Malaria Fever?

Malaria is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, but it also occurs in other parts of the world, including parts of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. People who are at increased risk of contracting malaria include travelers to malaria-endemic areas, people living in poverty, and people with weakened immune systems.

Preventing malaria involves avoiding mosquito bites, using bed nets, and taking antimalarial medications. Preventive medications can also be prescribed for people at high risk of contracting malaria, such as travelers to malaria-endemic areas.

Treatment for malaria typically involves the use of antimalarial medications, such as artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) which are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supportive care. 

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and many efforts are underway to reduce the number of cases and deaths globally. These efforts include increasing access to preventive measures, such as bed nets and antimalarial drugs, as well as research and development of new tools to control the disease, such as vaccines and new drugs.

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Malaria Fever Symptoms
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Malaria Fever Symptoms

The symptoms of malaria can vary depending on the type of parasite that causes the infection and the person's overall health. Symptoms typically appear within 7 to 30 days after the initial infection and can include:

High fever and chills: The fever can be accompanied by shivering and sweating, and can come and go every few days.

Headache: This can be a severe headache, often located behind the eyes.

Muscle and joint pain: This can feel like a severe flu and can affect the bones, muscles, and joints.

Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting.

Fatigue.

Anemia: This can cause paleness, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea.

Enlarged liver or spleen: This can cause abdominal pain or discomfort.

Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes & Rashes.

Symptoms of malaria can be similar to the flu or other viral infections, which can make it difficult to diagnose. It's important for people who have been in a malaria-endemic area and who develop fever or other symptoms to seek medical attention immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.

It's also worth noting that not all people infected with the malaria parasite will develop symptoms, and some may have very mild symptoms. However, they can still transmit the parasite to mosquitoes, which can then infect other people.

Malaria Fever Causes

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites a person, it injects the parasite into the person's bloodstream. The parasite then travels to the liver where it multiplies, before entering the red blood cells and multiplying again. 

This causes the red blood cells to rupture, releasing more parasites into the bloodstream, which then infect more red blood cells. This cycle causes the symptoms of malaria, including fever and anemia.

There are four types of Plasmodium that can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. 

Plasmodium falciparum is considered the most deadly and is responsible for the majority of malaria deaths. Malaria is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, but it also occurs in other parts of the world, including parts of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

People who are at increased risk of contracting malaria include travelers to malaria-endemic areas, people living in poverty, and people with weakened immune systems.

Preventing malaria involves avoiding mosquito bites, using bed nets, and taking antimalarial medications. Preventive medications can also be prescribed for people at high risk of contracting malaria, such as travelers to malaria-endemic areas.

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