# Malaria

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Source: https://medova.health/en/knowledge/diseases/malaria · Language: en

## Overview

Parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions. Can be life-threatening without proper treatment.

## Medical Information

- ICD-10: B50-B54
- ICD-11: 1F40-1F4Z
- Causative Agent: parasite
- Severity: Critical
- Incubation Period: 7–30 days
- Vaccine available: Yes

## Symptoms

- Chills (85%)
- Fatigue (85%)
- Fever (95%)
- Headache (80%)
- Malaise (80%)
- Night sweats (65%)
- Rigor (70%)
- Splenomegaly (60%)
- Dark urine (20%)
- Dehydration (40%)
- Hepatomegaly (40%)
- Jaundice (25%)
- Loss of appetite (65%)
- Myalgia (60%)
- Nausea (55%)
- Tachycardia (50%)
- Vomiting (45%)
- Abdominal pain (35%)
- Altered consciousness (8%)
- Arthralgia (40%)
- Back pain (30%)
- Confusion (10%)
- Cough (25%)
- Diarrhea (30%)
- Hypotension (15%)
- Seizures (5%)
- Shortness of breath (10%)

## Transmission

- Mosquito Bite (Primary route)
- Blood transfusion
- Congenital (mother-to-child)
- Needle sharing

## Overview

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.

## Overview

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.

## Emergency Signs

High fever, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe anemia.

## Detailed Symptoms

Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia.

## Course of Disease

Malaria can progress from uncomplicated to severe forms, potentially leading to organ failure and death.

## Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests.

## Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of malaria and includes antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapy.

## Prevention Details

Prevention includes antimalarial prophylaxis, mosquito bite prevention, and use of insecticide-treated bed nets.

## Travel Advice

Consult a travel medicine specialist before traveling to malaria-endemic areas.

## How common is it?

Malaria occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 229 million cases annually.

## Risk Factors

Traveling to endemic areas without prophylaxis, outdoor activities during mosquito activity hours.

## Complications Details

Severe complications include cerebral malaria, severe anemia, respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure.

## Recovery & Outlook

Prognosis is good with early diagnosis and treatment. Severe malaria can be fatal.

## Available Vaccines

- [Malaria](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/vaccines/malaria)

## Sources & content verification

- Data sources: Medical Team, WHO Disease Factsheets 2024 + CDC Travelers' Health 2024 + Heymann CDD 21st ed.
- Generated by: AI + Human review
- Review status: Awaiting medical review
- Last updated: 2025-10-21
- [www.who.int](https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news)

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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.

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