Malaria - Symptoms
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
When symptoms appear
The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear (incubation period) generally ranges from:1
- 9 to 14 days for Plasmodium (P.) falciparum.
- 12 to 18 days for P. vivax and P. ovale.
- 18 to 40 days forP. malariae.
- 11 to 12 days forP. knowlesi.
Symptoms can appear in 7 days. Sometimes, the time between exposure and signs of illness may be as long as 8 to 10 months with P. vivax and P. ovale.
The incubation period may be longer if you are taking medicine to prevent infection (chemoprophylaxis) or because you have some immunity due to previous infections.
Variation in symptoms
In regions where malaria is present, people who get infected many times may have the disease but have few or no symptoms.2 Also, how bad malaria symptoms are can vary depending on your general health, what kind of malaria parasite you have, and whether you still have your spleen.
Common symptoms of malaria
In the early stages, malaria symptoms are sometimes similar to those of many other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Sweats.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms may appear in cycles and may come and go at different intensities and for different lengths of time. But, especially at the beginning of the illness, the symptoms may not follow this typical pattern.
The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms is due to the life cycle of malaria parasites 
as they develop, reproduce, and are released from the red blood cells and liver cells in the human body. This cycle of symptoms is also one of the major indicators that you are infected with malaria.
Other common symptoms of malaria
Other common symptoms of malaria include:
- Dry (nonproductive) cough.
- Muscleand/or back pain.
- Enlargedspleen.
In rare cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Infection with the P. falciparum parasite is usually more serious and may become life-threatening.
There are other conditions with symptoms similar to a malarial infection. It is important that you see your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 20, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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