What is Malaria-signs and symptoms
A serious infection caused by malarial parasites. Most cases of Malaria in the United States are in immigrants and travelers returning from malaria-risk areas. Malaria is transmitted by a mosquito bite. A few cases are transmitted by blood transfusion, from mother to fetus during pregnancy, or by mosquito bite that occurred in the United States. Malaria can occur in all age groups.
Signs and symptoms of Malaria
Symptoms usually occur about 10 to 28 days after infection (though it can be up to a year).
Fatigue and general ill feeling.
Muscle and joint pain.
Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Shaking chills, with a fever. This is followed by heavy sweating, along with a drop in temperature.
Causes
The mosquito becomes infected with malaria after biting a person with the disease. The parasites multiply in the mosquito for a week, then enter the bloodstream of the next person the mosquito bites. Once in a person's bloodstream, the parasites travel to the liver, where they thrive and multiply rapidly. After several days, thousands re-enter the bloodstream and destroy red blood cells. Some parasites remain in the liver, continue to multiply, and are released again at intervals into the bloodstream.
Living in, or travel to, any country where malaria is a risk. It is most prevalent in rural tropical areas such as found in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Preventive measures for Malaria
Take antimalaria drugs before visiting an area where malaria is a risk. Continue to take the drugs after you return. A travel health clinic or your health care provider can give you instructions.
In mosquito-infested areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially from dusk to dawn. Use a DEET insect repellant on exposed skin. Sleep under a bednet that has been dipped in permethrin insecticide.
Curable with treatment. Symptoms usually improve in about 48 hours, and fever is gone in about 4 days. Children, persons with weak immune systems, and pregnant women are more at risk for complications.
Possible complications
Anemia, jaundice, or brain or kidney damage.
Bleeding, seizures, or coma.
Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Hemoglobinuria (hemoglobin in the urine).
Diagnosis and treatment for Malaria-general measures
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and recent travels. Medical tests will include blood studies. Other tests may be done if complications are a concern.
Treatment is with drugs. Hospital care may be needed with severe symptoms.
All cases of malaria are reported to the local health department.
medications
One or more antimalaria drugs to kill the parasite will be prescribed. It will depend on the type of malaria diagnosed.
Take nonprescription acetaminophen for fever. | 
