Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by a parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It remains a significant global health concern, with approximately 247 million cases and over 600,000 deaths reported in 2021 alone.

The disease is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions near the equator, such as Central America, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia. In the United States, nearly 2,000 cases are reported each year, primarily linked to international travel.

Malaria can progress rapidly, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial to avoid severe complications.

Common Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms typically develop between 10 and 15 days after exposure. People infected with malaria often experience flu-like symptoms, including:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

In severe cases, malaria may lead to:

  • Extreme weakness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Dark-colored or bloody urine
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Immediate medical attention is recommended if you experience severe symptoms, especially after traveling to a high-risk area.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by parasites from the Plasmodium family, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Once in the bloodstream, the parasites invade red blood cells and multiply.

Anyone can contract malaria, but certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness, including:

  • Young children
  • Pregnant individuals
  • People living with HIV/AIDS
  • Residents of regions with limited access to healthcare

How Malaria Is Diagnosed

If you experience symptoms or suspect malaria exposure, seeking medical care promptly is critical to prevent complications. Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Medical history review: Discussing travel history and symptoms.
  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests: These may include:
    • Microscopic examination: A blood sample is analyzed under a microscope to detect parasites (the gold standard for malaria diagnosis).
    • Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): These offer results within 15 minutes by detecting malaria antigens in a blood sample.

Because malaria is rare in the U.S., it may not be immediately suspected, potentially delaying diagnosis. Prompt reporting of your travel history can help expedite testing and treatment.

Treatment Options

Malaria is primarily treated with prescription medications. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your healthcare provider may recommend one or a combination of antimalarial drugs, which may include:

  • Coartem (artemether-lumefantrine)
  • Aralen (chloroquine)
  • Jasoprim (primaquine)

Some treatments may be given orally, while others may require injections, especially in severe cases.

Preventing Malaria

Preventative strategies are essential when traveling to malaria-endemic regions. Consider these measures:

  • Vaccination: Children may benefit from the Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01) malaria vaccine.
  • Mosquito protection: Sleep under mosquito nets, use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and keep windows and doors closed.
  • Preventive medications: Talk to your healthcare provider about antimalarial drugs before and during travel.

Potential Complications

Without prompt treatment, malaria can lead to life-threatening complications such as:

  • Kidney failure
  • Heart failure
  • Seizures
  • Mental confusion
  • Coma
  • Anemia
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

These complications can be fatal, which highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Living With and Recovering From Malaria

Although malaria is a serious illness, it is treatable with appropriate medical care. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of severe complications.

If you've traveled to an area where malaria is common and develop symptoms afterward, visit your healthcare provider promptly. Proper testing and early treatment are key to full recovery and preventing the disease from becoming life-threatening.