Definition

Malaria is a disease passed through the blood. It is typically passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito but can also be passed from mother to unborn child or during a blood transfusion from an infected donor.

Causes

Malaria is caused by a specific type of parasite.

Most often, a mosquito picks up the parasite when it bites someone with malaria. The mosquito can pass the parasite to a new person when it bites them. The parasite then travels to and multiplies in the liver.

After several days, the new parasites leave the liver and pass into the bloodstream. The parasite infect the red blood cells and within 48 hours the infected red blood cells burst. The parasites then go on to infect more red blood cells.

Malaria Cycle Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors    TOP

Living in or traveling to hot, humid climates where Anopheles mosquitoes are common is the most common risk factor for malaria. Africa, Asia, and Latin America all have areas where malaria is common. The majority of fatal cases are found in tourists visiting game parks and other rural areas in east Africa.

Your chance of getting malaria increases dramatically if basic prevention step listed below are not followed.

Symptoms    TOP

There are no symptoms in the early stage of infection.

Symptoms usually begin within 10 days to four weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include:

• Recurrent fevers (as high as 106°F)
• Chills
• Muscles aches
• Headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin or eyes)
• Dark or discolored urine

Seek medical care right away for any illness with high fever. Without treatment, the cycle of red blood cell destruction and fever will continue. This can lead to death.

Some types of malaria may not produce symptoms for a year or more. The severity of symptoms and death rate are often associated with the specific type of malaria.

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and travel history. A physical exam will be done. Malaria will be diagnosed with blood tests. The blood test will also help identify the specific type of parasite causing your infection.

Treatment    TOP

Prescription drugs are used to treat malaria by killing the parasites. The choice of an antimalarial agent depends on:

• Specific type of parasite
• Severity and stage of infection
• Area of the world you may have contracted malaria. Certain areas have types of malaria that are resistance to certain drugs.

Prevention    TOP

To reduce your chance of getting malaria when in a high risk area:

• Visit with a travel clinic or your doctor before your trip. Review what preventative medications you may need.
• If required, take antimalarial medication before, during, and after travel. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Use DEET insect repellent when outside. A higher percentage of DEET will protect your for a longer period of time.
• Use proper mosquito netting at night. Look for netting treated with permethrin.
• Do not rely on electronic mosquito repellents. These devices do not prevent mosquito bites.
• Use flying insect spray in non air-conditioned rooms while sleeping.
• Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms when possible.