Malaria history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];
Overview
Malaria parasites are transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites multiply within red blood cells, causing symptoms that include symptoms of anemia (light headedness, shortness of breath, tachycardia etc.), as well as other general symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, flu-like illness, and in severe cases, coma and death.
History
Obtaining a detailed history of the symptoms and travel history of the patient is an important step for the diagnosis of malaria. A travel history to a country where malaria is endemic, when in the presence of flu-like symptoms is an important alert for the diagnosis.[1]
After the mosquito bite, the typical incubation period of malaria may range from 8 to 25 days, in a primary attack. This period may be longer, depending on the status of the immune system of the host, the species and strain of the parasite, the dose of sporozoites, as well as the possible presence of prophylactic drugs. However, in the case of latent hypnozoites, relapses may occur within months to years after the mosquito bite.[2]
Commonly, the diagnosis of malaria should be considered in every patient who presents with an onset of fever and other related symptoms, who has traveled to a malaria-endemic region during the previous 3 months. Sometimes a wider time-frame may be considered.[3]
Fever Pattern
Fever in malaria is classically described as following the stages described bellow:
- Cold stage - where the patient experiences rigors and chills
- Hot stage - characterized by fever, headaches, and children may experience seizures
- Sweating stage - characterized by sweats, return to normal temperature with a feeling of fatigue
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Weakness
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Abnormal posturing (children)
Less Common Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloody urine
- Convulsions
- Feeling of tingling in the skin
References
- ↑ Mandell, Gerald (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0443068399.
- ↑ Mandell, Gerald (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0443068399.
- ↑ Mandell, Gerald (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0443068399.