Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The severity of symptoms is closely related to the type of Plasmodium infection, the patient's immune status, and the timing of treatment. Early symptoms may resemble those of a common cold, but if not diagnosed promptly, the condition can rapidly worsen, posing a life-threatening risk.

The development of symptoms typically progresses through the incubation period, acute attack phase, and subsequent complications. The incubation period can last from several days to weeks, during which patients may exhibit no obvious symptoms. When Plasmodium proliferates extensively within red blood cells, it triggers characteristic cyclical fever patterns. Understanding the features of each stage can aid in early detection and appropriate treatment.