Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that can only be transmitted through mosquito bites. If not treated effectively, malaria can cause serious complications and even death. This article will help you know and recognize the symptoms of malaria.
Steps
Step 1. Be on your guard and be aware of any recurring fevers accompanied by chills and sweating
Step 2. Look out for frequent or persistent flus and symptoms that show no improvement despite taking regular medications
Step 3. Be aware of headaches, nausea, vomiting or muscle aches without an easily identifiable cause.
Step 4. Watch out for unexplained periods of fatigue, not caused by normal daily activities
Step 5. Identify any moments of confusion, difficulty breathing, or severe anemia
Step 6. Note that proper diagnosis requires specific testing
Since the initial symptoms of malaria are common to many other diseases, including the normal flu, the patient must undergo a laboratory test to receive confirmation of the presence of the malaria parasite.
Advice
- If you have symptoms of malaria in areas free of endemic malaria, such as Europe or North America, you may need to recommend the possible disease to your doctor. Doctors in these areas of the world are not used to seeing the symptoms of malaria and may confuse them with those of a different disease.
- With proper precautions, malaria can be prevented.
Warnings
- Malaria should always be regarded as a life-threatening disease. If you are concerned that you have malaria, contact your doctor immediately.
- In the United States, the leading cause of death in malaria patients is a delay in making the correct diagnosis and taking medication.
