10 Surprising Symptoms of Malaria: An In-Depth Look
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells.
It is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and affects millions of people every year, primarily in
tropical and subtropical regions.
While fever and chills are the most well-known symptoms of malaria, there are many others that can be
surprising and easily misdiagnosed.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 surprising symptoms of malaria and what you need to know about them.
Sure, here are the next five symptoms of malaria:
- Anemia: Malaria can cause the destruction of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin levels and anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and paleness.
- Mental confusion: Malaria can cause confusion, disorientation, and even delirium. This is because the parasite interferes with the normal functioning of the brain.
- Seizures: Malaria can cause seizures, particularly in children, as a result of the parasite’s interference with normal brain function.
- Abdominal pain: Malaria can cause abdominal pain, which is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because the parasite affects the digestive system.
- Jaundice: Malaria can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, as a result of the destruction of red blood cells and the buildup of bilirubin in the body.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have malaria, as the disease can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Headaches
One of the earliest symptoms of malaria is a headache that can be intense and persistent.
The headache is usually accompanied by a fever and other symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue.
Headaches can also be a sign of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have a headache that
lasts for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Fatigue and Weakness
Malaria can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks.
This can last for several weeks or even months after the initial infection and can impact your daily life.
Fatigue can also be a symptom of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent fatigue and weakness.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of malaria, especially in the early stages of the illness.
These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have
persistent nausea and vomiting.
Muscle Aches and Pains
Muscle aches and pains are common symptoms of malaria and can range from mild to severe.
Muscle aches and pains are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a headache, fatigue, and weakness.
These symptoms can also be a sign of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent muscle aches and pains.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of malaria and can range from mild to severe.
The diarrhea is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Diarrhea can also be a symptom of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent diarrhea.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body.
Malaria can cause anemia by infecting and destroying red blood cells.
This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decreased ability to fight off infections.
Anemia can also be a symptom of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent anemia.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow.
It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
Malaria can cause jaundice by infecting and destroying red blood cells, which can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
Jaundice can also be a symptom of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent jaundice.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of malaria, especially in severe cases.
The shortness of breath is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and fatigue.
Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of other illnesses, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have persistent short
