Malaria is a serious disease caused by microscopic Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
For travellers going to tropical and subtropical regions, staying prepared is essential for staying healthy. Without taking the right precautions, it’s easy to be caught off guard and put your health at risk.
In this blog, we’ll explore malaria symptoms. You will know how to distinguish them and what appropriate measures to take to avoid them.
What are the Symptoms of Malaria?
The signs and symptoms of malaria disease usually start within 7–18 days following an infected mosquito bite. However, in some instances, the incubation period can become very long or even take months in the case of some parasite species. This can make diagnosis quite problematic, especially for returning travellers.
Key malaria symptoms include:
Here are some key malaria symptoms you should identify on time to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
- Fever with Intermittent Chills: Recurrent fever with shaking chills can be consistent with the malaria parasite’s life cycle, resulting in periodic fever.
- Headaches and Sensitivity to Light: Severe, persistent headaches that are accompanied by light sensitivity or disorientation can be an indication of malaria.
- Unexplained Fatigue and Irritability: Having severe exhaustion that is not relieved by rest combined with irritability or insomnia may mean that your body is fighting a malaria infection.
- Abdominal Pain and Gastrointestinal Issues: Malaria can cause abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, reflecting the infection’s impact on internal organs.
- Excessive Sweating and Dehydration: Heavy sweating during febrile attacks may lead to dehydration with symptoms of muscular cramps, dizziness, and weakness.
- Chest Pain or Breathing Problem: Chest pain or shortness of breath can occur, particularly in severe malaria, affecting lung function or circulation.
Why is Recognising Symptoms Early Necessary?
Failure to seek proper treatment for early signs and symptoms of malaria can lead to life-threatening complications, such as organ damage, anaemia, or even death. For travellers, symptoms can be dismissed as jet lag or other minor illnesses, which might delay diagnosis further. If you experience any of these malaria symptoms within weeks after travelling to a high-risk area, seek medical care as soon as possible.
How Anna Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic Service May Help?
At Anna Pharmacy, we offer a comprehensive malaria prevention programme, including antimalarial medications and personalised advice.
We educate travellers on recognising early signs of malaria and how to take immediate action if symptoms appear.
Book an appointment with us today to ensure you’re fully protected on your travels.