Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but some types of malaria parasites can lie dormant in the body for up to a year. The symptoms of malaria can be similar to those of the flu, and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough
Some people who have malaria experience cycles of malaria "attacks." An attack usually starts with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, followed by sweating and a return to normal temperature. In severe cases, malaria can cause anemia, jaundice, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death. The most severe form of malaria, known as cerebral malaria, can cause abnormal behavior, impairment of consciousness, seizures, coma, or other complications. If you have been bitten by a mosquito and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
