What Is Malaria?
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Medically reviewed by Angela Ryan Lee, MD
Malaria is a serious and sometimes deadly infectious disease caused by a parasite and spread through mosquito bites. The disease is a public health concern worldwide. In fact, an estimated 247 million people contracted malaria in 2021 alone—causing more than 600,000 deaths as a result of the disease.
The mosquitoes that carry malaria are usually found in tropical environments around the equator. This includes places such as Central America, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia. However, the U.S. reports nearly 2,000 cases of malaria each year, mostly due to travel to tropical places.
Most people who develop malaria experience high fever and other flu-like symptoms. It's important to treat symptoms as quickly as possible, as the condition can rapidly become severe and cause life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of malaria can range from mild to severe. Most people experience symptoms between 10 and 15 days after they’ve been exposed to the disease.
If you have malaria, it's common to experience flu-like symptoms including:
However, if your condition worsens, you might experience severe malaria symptoms such as:
Extreme fatigue
Convulsions or seizures
Loss of consciousness
Difficulty breathing
Abnormal bleeding
Jaundice (yellowed eyes and skin)
The World Health Organization recommends receiving prompt medical care by visiting your local emergency department or calling 911 if you experience severe symptoms.
Causes
Most people who have malaria get bit by a mosquito who was carrying the disease. Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite (or, a harmful organism that feeds on a larger organism). In this case, the larger organism is a mosquito. The mosquito can then pass the disease to you if it bites you and the parasite infects your blood cells.
Malaria can affect anyone, but it’s most common among people living in tropical environments where malaria is easily spread. The following groups may also be at a higher risk of developing severe malaria symptoms:
Young children
People living with HIV/AIDS
People in areas with limited access to healthcare or medical resources
Diagnosis
If you think you may have been exposed to malaria or are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. This is so that the disease doesn't progress and causes life-threatening complications.
During a visit with your healthcare provider, you can expect them to ask about your medical history and recent travels, conduct a physical exam, and order routine blood tests to identify the severity of your condition. Your provider may also order malaria-specific tests, including:
Microscopic diagnosis: Uses a sample of your blood and inspects the sample under a microscope to check for parasites. This exam is considered the gold standard for malaria testing.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): You will place a sample of your blood on a test card and receive the results within 15 minutes. Providers use this test in settings where laboratory testing or access to microscopes aren't readily available.
It's important to note that in the U.S., a malaria diagnosis is not common. In fact, healthcare providers and laboratory technicians alike tend to not have a high suspicion for malaria since the condition is rare in the country. If you have symptoms of malaria—especially after traveling to a location where the disease is more common—there may be a delay in getting your diagnosis and treatment.
That said, as soon as you notice you have symptoms of malaria or are feeling unwell, it's important to see your healthcare provider so they can get you tested as soon as possible.
Treatment
The standard treatment for malaria is medication. Your healthcare provider may choose one or a combination of medications to help you reduce symptoms. Most medications come in pill form, but some people may receive injection medications from their provider's office or hospital.
The most common medications to treat malaria include:
Coartem (artemether-lumefantrine)
Aralen (chloroquine)
Jasoprim (primaquine)
How to Prevent Malaria
There are several prevention strategies that you may consider using to avoid contracting malaria. These may be especially important to use before you visit areas where malaria is more common. You may consider trying the following methods:
Getting your child vaccinated with Mosquirix (the RSS,S/ASO1 vaccine for malaria)
Limiting your risk of attracting mosquitoes by using mosquito nets while sleeping, putting mosquito repellent on your belongings and clothes, wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs, and avoiding keeping windows and doors open
Talking to your healthcare provider about antimalarial medications before and after traveling, which can prevent you from getting sick if you do get mosquito bites during your trip
Complications
It is imperative to treat malaria quickly to prevent life-threatening complications from occurring. The more severe your condition gets, the higher your risk of experiencing organ failures and changes to your blood supply. If the condition is left untreated or treated too late, you may experience:
Mental confusion
Coma
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Many of these complications can also be fatal (deadly), which is why getting medical care as soon as you may have been exposed to the disease is essential.
Living With Malaria
Malaria is a serious, but treatable condition that is caused by parasites and transmitted through mosquito bites. The disease remains one of the most common public health problems worldwide. While malaria is less common in the U.S., you may contract the condition if you travel to tropical environments where the disease is more common.
If you develop symptoms of malaria or feel sick after you return from your travels, it's good practice to see your healthcare provider for care. They can learn more about your symptoms, order tests that offer a proper diagnosis, and get you started on treatments. If malaria is left untreated, you may be at risk of developing life-threatening complications. That's why receiving the proper care as soon as possible is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does malaria require hospitalization?
No, malaria does not always require hospitalization. However, malaria always requires treatment—usually in the form of medication. If your condition is left untreated or you see a healthcare provider too late, you may be at risk for complications which may sometimes require hospitalization.
Do you need to quarantine if you have malaria?
No, you do not need to quarantine if you have malaria because the disease does not spread from person to person.
Does malaria cause permanent damage?
Although not common, malaria can cause permanent damage in severe cases. In particular, children who have had a severe case of malaria and experienced brain-related complications may have trouble with movement, speech, hearing, and vision. It's also possible to experience seizures, tremors, and paralysis in extreme cases.
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