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For informational purposes only — not medical advice
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How serious?
Risk of death
Yes
Vaccine available?
Time to symptoms
Countries affected
Active outbreaks
Travelers with access to medical care and taking prophylaxis have very low risk. Seek immediate medical attention for any fever within 3 months of returning from an endemic area. Prophylaxis compliance is essential — take all doses as prescribed.
Parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions. Can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
Symptoms | Frequency | Severity | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chills | 85% | Moderate | Early |
| Headache | 80% | Moderate | Early |
| Malaise | 80% | Mild | Early |
| Rigor | 70% | Moderate | Early |
| Loss of appetite | 65% | Mild | Early |
| Myalgia | 60% | Mild | Early |
| Arthralgia | 40% | Mild | Early |
| Back pain | 30% | Mild | Early |
| Night sweats | 65% | Mild | Peak |
| Splenomegaly | 60% | Mild | Peak |
| Dark urine | 20% | Moderate | Peak |
| Dehydration | 40% | Moderate | Peak |
| Hepatomegaly | 40% | Mild | Peak |
| Jaundice | 25% | Moderate | Peak |
| Nausea | 55% | Mild | Peak |
| Tachycardia | 50% | Mild | Peak |
| Vomiting | 45% | Mild | Peak |
| Abdominal pain | 35% | Mild | Peak |
| Diarrhea | 30% | Mild | Peak |
| Hypotension | 15% | Severe | Peak |
| Altered consciousness | 8% | Critical | Late |
| Confusion | 10% | Severe | Late |
| Seizures | 5% | Critical | Late |
| Shortness of breath | 10% | Severe | Late |
| Fatigue | 85% | Mild | Any phase |
| Fever | 95% | Severe | Any phase |
| Cough | 25% | Mild | Any phase |
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites and can lead to severe complications and death.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease occurs in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications.
High fever, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe anemia.
Most common signs and symptoms
Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia.
Knowing the symptoms is the first step to a quick response.
Malaria can progress from uncomplicated to severe forms, potentially leading to organ failure and death.
How this disease is identified
Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests.
Available treatment methods
Treatment depends on the type of malaria and includes antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapy.
Most cases are effectively treated with early diagnosis.
How to protect yourself
Prevention includes antimalarial prophylaxis, mosquito bite prevention, and use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Preparation is the best protection.
Consult a travel medicine specialist before traveling to malaria-endemic areas.
Statistics and geographic data
Malaria occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 229 million cases annually.
Who is most at risk
Traveling to endemic areas without prophylaxis, outdoor activities during mosquito activity hours.
Potential complications
Severe complications include cerebral malaria, severe anemia, respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure.
Expected outcomes and recovery
Prognosis is good with early diagnosis and treatment. Severe malaria can be fatal.
This disease is vaccine-preventable. Effective protection is available through vaccination.
Talk to a travel health specialist about the recommended schedule before your trip.
Find a vaccination clinic →The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Medova is not a medical service provider.
Full terms of useGeographic distribution and active outbreaks
Recent epidemiological data from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory.
Source: WHO GHO OData ↗
This data is provided for informational purposes. Please consult official WHO sources for the most current information.
View WHO data source →| Flag | Country | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
 | Tanzania | High risk |
 | Angola | High risk |
 | Chad | High risk |
 | Central African Republic | High risk |
 | Papua New Guinea | High risk |
 | Congo | High risk |
 | Comoros | High risk |
 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | High risk |
 | Gabon | High risk |
 | Equatorial Guinea | High risk |
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