World Malaria Day 2024: Know First Few Symptoms You Get When You Have Malaria

Fever is usually the first symptom of malaria infection. It may be mild to begin with and progress to high-grade fever as the infection progresses and it may remain till infection is treated. There will be severe shaking chills followed by perspiration. There may be alternative feelings of hot and then cold. (Image Source: Canva)

Malaria can cause headaches which may be mild to begin, may remain persistent and occasionally it may become severe. (Image Source: Canva)

The infected person may experience a paroxysm of fever, shaking chills, and sweats (every 48 or 72 hours, depending on malarial species). The classic paroxysm begins with a period of shivering and chills, which lasts for approximately 1-2 hours and is followed by a high fever. Finally, the patient experiences excessive perspiration, and the body temperature of the patient drops to normal or below normal. (Image Source: Canva)

There may be muscle aches (myalgia) joint pain (Arthralgia) and overall feelings of weakness, discomfort and low energy. Some people experience extreme fatigue. There can be rapid breathing rate and rapid heart rate. (Image Source: Getty)

There can be diarrhoea, vomiting nausea with lack of appetite and occasionally yellowish discolouration of skin and eye in severe cases. In severe cases, the patient may experience confusion and occasionally seizures if treatment is not provided on time. (Image Source: Getty)

The symptoms of malaria may also vary depending on the type of malaria parasite and the overall health of the individual. Infants, young children, pregnant women and elderly people are more susceptible to infection. If not treated on time it can lead to cerebral malaria, organ failure and severe anemia. It is crucial to diagnose early and treat malaria on time for better outcomes. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by Dr Anand Bhabhor-Consultant, Critical Care Medicine- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai (Image Source: Getty)