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Malaria
Symptoms
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 for P. malariae.
- 11 to 12 days for P. 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:
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:
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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 20, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Malaria Topics
Malaria
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