World Malaria Day is observed internationally every year on April 25. Dr Seema Dhir, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, says, "Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that is caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes." (Images by Freepik, Pexels, Pixabay)
It is essential to recognise the symptoms and signs of malaria for timely diagnosis and treatment. Dr Seema Dhir shares some of the most common symptoms of malaria and tells you how to recognise them.
Fever is typically the first symptom to appear and can range from mild to severe. Note that the fever caused due to malaria usually comes in cycles, with the temperature spiking every few days.
Chills often accompany fever in malaria. These chills can be severe, causing shivering and shaking.
Headaches are common in malaria and can vary in intensity. You can have throbbing or dull pain and the headaches are typically accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and chills.
Excessive sweating is another symptom of malaria, generally occurring after the fever breaks. This profuse sweating can be very intense in some cases and may soak through clothing and bedding.
Malaria can cause extreme fatigue and weakness. In some cases, it's even possible that there is only fatigue and no other symptoms. This fatigue can persist for weeks or even months after malaria has been treated.
Muscle and joint pain, which can range from mild to severe, is another common symptom of malaria.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of malaria, especially during the early stages of the infection. These symptoms can cause dehydration, especially if they are severe or prolonged.
Some people with malaria may experience abdominal pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping. This pain is generally accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea.
When malaria gets severe or complicated, it can also cause a dry, non-productive cough.
Severe malaria can lead to jaundice. Jaundice occurs when the parasite infects red blood cells, causing the breakdown of haemoglobin and the release of bilirubin into the bloodstream.
"Recognising these symptoms is necessary for immediate diagnosis and treatment of malaria so that it doesn't get worse. Malaria can progress rapidly and cause severe complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary," shares