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Malaria

tropicalparasiticmosquito-bornepreventable

Overview

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease occurs in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications.

Detailed Symptoms

Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia.

Symptoms

No symptom data available.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of malaria and includes antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapy.

Course of Disease

Malaria can progress from uncomplicated to severe forms, potentially leading to organ failure and death.

Complications

No complication data available.

Prevention Details

Prevention includes antimalarial prophylaxis, mosquito bite prevention, and use of insecticide-treated bed nets.

Prevention

No prevention data available.

Epidemiology

Malaria occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 229 million cases annually.

Risk Factors

Traveling to endemic areas without prophylaxis, outdoor activities during mosquito activity hours.

Indications

Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for travelers to malaria-endemic areas.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good with early diagnosis and treatment. Severe malaria can be fatal.

Names & Synonyms

Common Names

Malaria

Alternative Names

PaludismMarsh Fever

Content Warnings

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Review Information

Last reviewed by

Medical Team

Review notes

Content reviewed and updated regularly

Medical Information

Vaccine-preventable
No

Emergency Signs

High fever
confusion
seizures
difficulty breathing
severe anemia.

When to Seek Help

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop after travel to endemic areas.

Prevention Measures

Antimalarial prophylaxis
mosquito bite prevention
use of repellents
sleeping under bed nets.

Contraindications

Antimalarial medications may be contraindicated in people with certain medical conditions
pregnant women
and children under certain ages.

Complications Details

Severe complications include cerebral malaria
severe anemia
respiratory distress
and multi-organ failure.

Travel Advice

Consult a travel medicine specialist before traveling to malaria-endemic areas.

Also known as

MalariaPaludismMarsh Fever