Symptoms of malaria.

 Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by *Plasmodium* parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected *Anopheles* mosquitoes. The symptoms of malaria typically appear 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include:

### 1. **Fever**

   - High fever that can come and go in cycles, often accompanied by chills.

### 2. **Chills**

   - Shivering and feeling cold, followed by sweating as the fever breaks.

### 3. **Headache**

   - Persistent headaches are a common symptom of malaria.

### 4. **Fatigue and Weakness**

   - General feeling of weakness and exhaustion, often severe.

### 5. **Muscle and Joint Pain**

   - Body aches, muscle stiffness, and joint pain are frequent.

### 6. **Sweating**

   - Excessive sweating after the fever spikes, as the body attempts to cool down.

### 7. **Nausea and Vomiting**

   - Nausea and vomiting, which can sometimes be severe.

### 8. **Abdominal Pain**

   - Discomfort or pain in the abdomen, often associated with gastrointestinal upset.

### 9. **Anemia**

   - Caused by the destruction of red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as pale skin and shortness of breath.

### 10. **Jaundice**

   - Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver involvement and destruction of red blood cells.

### 11. **Enlarged Spleen**

   - The spleen may become swollen and painful as it works to filter out damaged red blood cells.

### 12. **Rapid Breathing and Heart Rate**

   - Increased breathing rate and heart rate due to fever and anemia.

### 13. **Confusion or Altered Mental State (in severe cases)**

   - In severe malaria (especially cerebral malaria), confusion, delirium, seizures, or coma can occur.

### 14. **Dark Urine**

   - In cases of severe malaria, the breakdown of red blood cells can cause dark or cola-colored urine.

### Types of Malaria Symptoms

   - **Uncomplicated Malaria:** Symptoms like fever, chills, and sweating in cyclical patterns every 2-3 days.

   - **Severe Malaria:** More serious symptoms such as organ failure, cerebral malaria (seizures, coma), severe anemia, and respiratory distress.

If malaria is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention quickly, as timely treatment can prevent complications and reduce mortality.