We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Side Effects of Malaria?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,588
Share

The most common side effects of malaria are fever, chills, convulsions, retinal problems, vomiting, and joint pain. Fever is usually high and symptoms can be very severe. Malaria can be deadly when not treated early, and Third World nations are most at risk.

Malaria is an illness that stems from infection with a parasite. It is often spread by mosquitoes because the microscopic parasite is secreted with the insect's bite. Most industrialized nations have proper testing and treatments for this illness, although it is most common in tropical areas. There are millions of people affected every year from the side effects of malaria, and the illness can be deadly. Deaths are most common in poor nations where proper medical care is not widely available.

The primary side effects of malaria are very high fever and shaking accompanied by profuse sweating in many cases. All other symptoms are secondary and they may or may not occur in all sufferers. If fever becomes increasingly high, convulsions can be the result. In some countries where medical care is not readily available, diagnosis may be made based on fever alone.

Treatments for the side effects of malaria can vary, but they may include anti-nausea medications combined with drugs which are proven to kill the parasite which causes the illness. These will vary based on which parasite is responsible. There are four potential causes of malaria, so testing is needed to determine the correct course of action. Sometimes the illness will run its course and the body's immune system will fight off the infection.

At other times, the side effects of malaria can lead to severe complications and even death. High fever can eventually affect the brain and organs, causing them to shut down. Anemia is also a common side effect, and if this gets too severe, death can occur. Most deaths from malaria occur in Africa, especially in the poorest regions where proper testing and treatment facilities are not available.

Many different governments and researchers are attempting to prevent malaria outbreaks. Those who live in tropical regions where the parasite is common are given mosquito netting. There is also a vaccine being developed which may someday prevent malaria from occurring.

Patients who believe they may be having side effects of malaria should see a doctor right away. Those who live in temperate climates are unlikely to come across this illness, but those who have visiting other regions may become infected and bring the illness back to their home country. Most malaria cases are generally handled by an infectious disease specialist.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-side-effects-of-malaria.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.