symptoms and causes of malaria

 

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several species of Plasmodium, but the four main ones that cause malaria in humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.

Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria typically appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite (though it can take longer). The disease progresses in stages, and the severity of symptoms can vary based on the type of Plasmodium and the individual’s immune system. Common symptoms include:

Fever: Often a high, intermittent fever.

Chills: Severe chills and shaking, which may be followed by a high fever.

Sweating: After the fever spikes, the person may experience sweating.

Headache: A constant, often severe headache.

Fatigue: Feeling very weak or tired, sometimes to the point of exhaustion.

Nausea and Vomiting: These can occur, often alongside stomach pain.

Muscle and Joint Pain: General body aches and muscle stiffness.

Anemia: As red blood cells are destroyed by the parasite, anemia (low red blood cell count) can develop.

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is especially common in severe malaria.

Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, breathing problems may occur.

Seizures: This is more common in severe cases, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum infections.

In severe malaria, especially with P. falciparum infection, complications can arise quickly and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as organ failure, severe anemia, cerebral malaria (affecting the brain), or kidney failure.

Causes of Malaria

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The transmission cycle involves several steps:

Mosquito Bite: An infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, injecting the malaria parasites into the bloodstream.

Liver Stage: Once in the bloodstream, the parasites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. This can take a few days to weeks, depending on the species of Plasmodium.

Blood Stage: After leaving the liver, the parasites enter the bloodstream and invade red blood cells. They continue to multiply inside the red blood cells, eventually causing the cells to burst. This cycle is what leads to the characteristic fever and chills.

Mosquito Reinfection: When another mosquito bites an infected person, it picks up the parasites from the blood. The cycle continues when the mosquito then bites another person.