Malaria Symptoms

This is one of the most common infectious diseases and major health problems for the traveler. There are four species of the genus Plasmodium (the malaria parasite) that transmit the disease to humans: Plasmodium vivax, P. Ovale, P. P. malariae Falciporum (the deadliest). The main cause of malaria is the improper performance of chemoprophylaxis.

The risk of infection varies depending on the itinerary, trip duration, time of year (rainy season, temperature), population immunity, distribution of places where mosquitoes breed and the prevalence of different species. In the male transmission occurs through the bite of female Anopheles mosquito. It is especially active from dusk to dawn. It is also transmitted through blood transfusions or infected needles. Another cause is unlikely, is at the airport or surrounding area. If a mosquito "school" on a plane from an endemic area and escapes on a scale in other countries could sting.

symptoms of malaria The incubation period depends on the species causing the infection. If they are the P. Vivax or ovale, they usually last between 10 and 16 days if the P. Malariae, 20 to 40 days, and if the falciparum, between 8 and 14. The first malaria symptoms are indistinguishable from a mild viral illness, mild and intermittent fever, headache and muscle pain, chills with a sick feeling. In general include:

  • Malaise
  • Headache
  • tiredness (fatigue)
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Muscle aches (myalgia)
  • Fever and chills

If the disease progresses it can have several pictures depending on the infecting organism. Among the less severe symptoms are gastrointestinal disturbances, ie, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and disorders such as jaundice or biliary coletiasisis. It also highlights the hepatosplenomegaly or simultaneous increase in the size of the liver and spleen, which is constant for all forms of malaria, and their frequent association with the cold sores.