Malaria

1. Bacterial Infections 101 Slideshow
2. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
3. Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

• What Is Malaria?
• What Causes Malaria?
• How Is Malaria Transmitted?
• What Is the Incubation Period Malaria?
• What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Malaria?
• When Should I Call the Doctor About Malaria?
• How Is Malaria Diagnosed?
• Are There Home Remedies for Malaria?
• What is the Treatment and Medication for Malaria?
• What Is the Follow-up for Malaria?
• How Can I Prevent Malaria?
• Is There a Malaria Vaccine?
• What Is the Prognosis for Malaria?
• Malaria Pictures
• Read more on Malaria from Healthwise

• Malaria is caused by parasites from the genus Plasmodium, which are spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes of the Anopheles species. According to the World Health Organization, there were 214 million cases of malaria in 2015 worldwide, causing 438,000 deaths. Deaths are especially common in children.
• Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, largely as a result of international travel or immigration.
• The hallmark of malaria is fever. Initially, symptoms may mimic the flu. Fever may be accompanied by shaking chills and muscle aches. Anemia is common.
• Severe cases may cause organ failure or death. Travelers are much more vulnerable to severe malaria than residents of areas where malaria is present; travelers lack the partial immunity that protects residents who are frequently exposed to malaria.
• Malaria is diagnosed from a blood smear when the parasite is seen under the microscope. Other tests are available, but microscopy remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. Malaria is treated with specific medications. Oral medications are usually used, except in severe cases.
• Most patients recover completely after being treated. However, infection with P. vivax or P. ovale may be associated with organisms that hide in the liver for months or years, resisting treatment. Special medications are used to help eradicate these organisms, so it is important to closely follow medical directions when taking preventive medicines. Never stop the medication early if instructed to continue taking it for a few weeks after leaving the area where malaria is present.
• People who travel to areas with malaria should visit their physician several weeks prior to departure to ensure all preventive measures are completed before travel. The risk of malaria may be reduced by taking medications and using precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including insecticides containing DEET.
• The history of malaria and other human diseases is interesting. The gene that causes sickle cell disease is more common in areas where malaria is common, because it offers some protection. People who have sickle cell disease (two sickle cell genes) have very abnormal hemoglobin that leads to many complications, including early death. However, people who have sickle cell trait (only one sickle cell gene) do not have the complications of sickle cell disease, but their hemoglobin is just abnormal enough to make red blood cells inhospitable to the malaria parasite. Thus, sickle cell trait provides some protection against malaria, especially during infancy and toddlerhood, until the child can produce immune defenses against malaria on its own.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

---

VIEW

Vaccines & Preventing Diseases Abroad

Must Read Articles Related to Malaria

Foreign Travel It is important to plan well in advance when traveling to a foreign country. Travelers should protect (and prepare) themselves from illness by obtaining the app...learn more >>

Immunizations and Antibiotics for Oversea Travel Most immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunization...learn more >>

See the Entire Malaria Topic Guide »