Malaria is a life-threatening disease that spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person. The mosquito transfers parasites into that persons bloodstream. Symptoms of malaria include fever and shaking chills. Malaria is rare in the United States and common in tropical countries such as Africa and Asia. Malaria is treatable if it is caught early.
If it is not treated, malaria can cause severe health problems such as seizures, brain damage, trouble breathing, organ failure and death. The disease is rare in the United States. If you are traveling to an area where malaria is common, talk to your provider about malaria prevention.
More than 90% of malaria deaths occur in Africa, and nearly all of the people who die are young children. Malaria is rare in the United States. But people who are infected and travel to the U.S. can spread the disease if a mosquito bites them and then bites someone else.
Anyone can get malaria, but people who live in Africa have a higher risk of infection than others. Young children, older people and pregnant women have an increased risk of dying from malaria. People who live in poverty and do not have access to healthcare are more likely to have complications from the disease.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Malaria symptoms usually appear 10 days to one month after the person was infected. Symptoms can be mild. Some people do not feel sick for up to a year after the mosquito bite. Parasites can live in the body for several years without causing symptoms.
Signs of malaria are similar to flu symptoms. They include:
- Fever and sweating.
- Chills that shake the whole body.
- Headache and muscle aches.
- Fatigue.
- Chest pain, breathing problems and cough.
- Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
As malaria progresses, it can cause anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
What are the side effects of medications to treat malaria?
Antimalarial drugs can cause side effects. Be sure to tell your provider about other medicines you are taking, since antimalarial drugs can interfere with them. Depending on the medication, side effects may include:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
- Headaches.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
- Insomnia and disturbing dreams.
- Psychological disorders and vision problems.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Seizures.
If you live or travel in an area where malaria is common, talk to your provider about taking medications to prevent malaria. You will need to take the drugs before, during and after your stay.
You should also take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. To lower your chances of getting malaria, you should:
- Apply mosquito repellent with DEET (diethyltoluamide) to exposed skin.
- Drape mosquito netting over beds.
- Put screens on windows and doors.
- Treat clothing, mosquito nets, tents, sleeping bags and other fabrics with an insect repellent called permethrin.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves to cover your skin.
