02/07/2016
SymptomsWhen symptoms appearMalariacan begin withflu-like symptoms. In the early stages, infection fromP. falciparumis similar to infection fromP. vivax,P. malariae, andP. ovale. You may have no symptoms or symptoms that are less severe if you are partially immune to malaria.The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear (incubation period) typically rangesfrom:2*.9 to 14 days forPlasmodium (P.) falciparum.*.12 to 18 days forP. vivaxandP. ovale.*.18 to 40 days forP. malariae.*.11 to 12 days forP. knowlesi.Symptoms can appear in 7 days. And the time between exposure and signs of illness may sometimesbe as long as 8 to 10 months withP.vivaxandP. ovale.The incubation period may be longer if you are taking medicine to prevent infection (chemoprophylaxis) or because you have someimmunitydue to previous infections.Variation in symptomsIn regions where malaria is present, people who get infected many times may have the disease but have few or no symptoms.3Also, how badmalaria symptomsare can vary depending on your general health, what kind of malariaparasiteyou have, and whether you still have yourspleen.Common symptoms of malariaIn the early stages, malaria symptoms are sometimes similar to those of many other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms may include:*.Fever.*.Chills.*.Headache.*.Sweats.*.Fatigue.*.Nausea and vomiting.Symptoms may appear in cycles. The time between episodes of fever and other symptoms varies with the specific parasite you are infected with. Episodes of symptoms may occur:*.Every 48 hours if you are infected withP. vivaxorP. ovale.*.Every 72 hours if you are infected withP. malariae.P. falciparumdoes not usually causea regular, cyclic fever.The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms is due to thelife cycle of malaria parasitesas they develop, reproduce, and are released from the redblood cellsandlivercells in the human body. This cycle of symptoms is also one of the major signs that you are infected with malaria.Other common symptoms ofmalariaOther common symptoms of malaria include:*.Dry (nonproductive)cough.*.Muscle orback painor both.*.Enlargedspleen.In rare cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of thebrainor spinal cord,seizures, or loss of consciousness.Infection with theP. falciparumparasite is usually more serious and may becomelife-threatening.There are other conditions with symptoms similar to a malaria infection. It is important that you see your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms.
