Malaria is an infection brought on by a parasite that almost always is transmitted by mosquitoes.
What happens if you get malaria is that you usually get sick.
This article explains the symptoms of malaria and its causes.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Happens if You Get Malaria?
Mostsymptoms of malariaare the result of toxins that the parasite produces when it invades red blood cells.
These toxins can cause anemia and, in many cases, blockages in small blood vessels throughout the body.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
There are five different species ofparasitesthat can cause malaria in humans.
The one that is most deadly to humans isPlasmodium falciparum.P.
falciparumis mainly found on the African content.
If untreated, infections with this parasite can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.
P. vivaxalso poses a great threat and is found in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
The other three malaria species that can infect humans areP.
How long can you live with malaria untreated?
At this point, symptoms of malaria will begin to appear.
People who live in these regions, as well as visitors, are at high risk of becoming infected.
Malaria can be diagnosed by different diagnostic tests.
A blood smear microscopy examines a drop of blood under a microscope for the presence of malaria parasites.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can test forantigensfrom malaria parasites.
In the U.S., you better see a healthcare provider for RDTs.
Another option is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
These tests are extremely good at detecting malaria, but it takes longer to get the results.
PCR tests can also tell you exactly what species of malaria parasite you have and detect mixed infections.
Can Malaria Be Cured?
In general, malaria is curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.Its important to startmalaria treatmentas soon as possible.
Malaria is treated with prescription anti-parasitic medications, such as chloroquine and doxycycline.
TakingOTC pain relieversand anti-fever medications can help.
Artemisinin drugs (artemether and artesunate) are also used to treat malaria.
The best treatment for uncomplicatedPlasmodium falciparummalaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
ACTs consist of two componentsan artemisinin derivative and a drug from a different class.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Preventing Malaria
Prevention and managing to avoid the infection altogether are key aspects of managing malaria.
A hesitation people often have about taking preventive medications for malaria is the risk of side effects.
Of particular concern are hallucinations and other psychiatric symptoms, which most often are associated with mefloquine.
Often side effects from malaria drugs can be avoided by taking other medications to prevent them.
Discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.
Summary
Malaria is a parasitic infection that is usually transmitted by mosquitoes.
Although rare in the U.S., malaria is common in some other parts of the world.
Diagnostic tests can detect the presence of the parasite.
Prescription medications can both treat and prevent malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria disease basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria transmission in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for malaria.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About malaria: disease.
Malaria Consortium.Artemisinin-based combination therapy.
2011;84(4):517-531. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0285
