There are at least five types of Plasmodium parasites that infect people, although P. falciparum (mainly in Africa) and P. vivax (mainly in Latin America and Asia) are the most common and deadly. The fever and other initial symptoms may be mild and mimic less serious viral infections, such as the common cold and influenza. Usually symptoms don’t appear for about two weeks after being bitten.

Although the primary symptoms of malaria typically begin within a few weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito, some types of malarial parasites can lie dormant in the body for up to a year or more. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Malarial symptoms are caused by the bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes, which inject the parasite into the host’s bloodstream. The parasites then migrate to the liver where they lay dormant for a week or two before causing symptoms.

The bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes are not very noticeable (a small, red, itchy bump), unlike the bites of some other insects and spiders that can cause similar symptoms. The initial headaches of malaria are typically dull in nature (like a tension headache), but as the parasites start to infect and destroy red blood cells, they can become pounding in nature (more like a migraine). The achy pain is usually most noticeable in the leg and back muscles because they are larger, more active and get more of the infected blood.

Unlike the explosive and bloody diarrhea of some bacterial infections, particularly Shigella, there’s usually no blood or severe cramping with malaria. Once the primary and secondary symptoms become noticeable, the malaria-causing parasites can be seen under a microscope from a drop of infected blood — especially if the specimen is stained with Giemsa stain. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Confusion, multiple convulsions, coma and neurological impairment indicate brain swelling and injury. Severe anemia, abnormal bleeding, deep labored breathing and respiratory distress indicate advanced blood infection and lung involvement. Jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes) is evidence of liver damage and dysfunction. Kidney failure Liver failure Shock (very low blood pressure) Enlarged spleen

The most risky areas are African countries south of the Sahara Desert, most of the Asian subcontinent, Haiti, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 90% of all malaria deaths occur in Africa — mostly in kids younger than five years. Approximately 1,500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the U. S. each year, mostly in returned travelers. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Strong immune systems can fight off malarial infections, which means the majority of people bitten by infected mosquitoes either don’t get the disease or develop only mild short-term symptoms. Supplements that can boost your immune system include: vitamins A, C and D, zinc, selenium, echinacea, olive leaf extract and astragalus root. [14] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Be aware that these will not prevent malaria or its consequences.

Hemophiliacs and people who lose lots of blood from injuries are at higher risk of malaria from blood transfusions, particularly if they life in Africa or Asia. Malaria is not considered an STD (sexually transmitted disease), although there is a small chance of contracting it via sexual practices if the blood from one partner enters the bloodstream of another.

Some drugs your doctor might suggest include chloroquine, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem), mefloquine (Lariam), quinine, quinidine, doxycycline, clindamycin and artesunate (not currently licensed in the U. S. ). [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source