Malaria

Overview

Malaria is a parasitic infection spread by mosquito bites and remains common in India. It typically causes fever with chills and rigors, sweating, headache and body ache, often in a cyclical pattern. Most cases respond well to specific antimalarial treatment, but severe malaria can be life-threatening and needs urgent hospital care. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are essential.

Symptoms

• Fever with chills and rigors, followed by sweating as the fever breaks.
• Headache and body ache.
• Nausea, vomiting and tiredness.
• Sometimes a cyclical pattern of fever every 1–3 days depending on the species.
• In severe cases: confusion, drowsiness, breathlessness, jaundice, reduced urine output or seizures.

Evaluation and investigations

• Peripheral blood smear (microscopy) — the classic test; also shows the parasite load.
• Malaria antigen (RDT) test for rapid detection.
• Complete blood count — anaemia and low platelets are common.
• Liver and kidney function tests, and blood glucose (low sugar can occur in severe cases).

Management

Malaria is treated with specific antimalarial medicines chosen according to the species and severity. Uncomplicated malaria is managed as an outpatient with close follow-up; severe malaria (cerebral malaria, organ failure, very high parasite load) needs urgent hospital treatment with intravenous antimalarials and supportive care. Mosquito-avoidance measures help prevent recurrence.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Confusion, drowsiness, seizures or repeated vomiting (possible cerebral malaria).
• Jaundice, dark urine or very low urine output.
• Breathlessness or very low blood pressure.
• Severe anaemia with extreme tiredness and breathlessness.
• Very high parasite load on testing.

How we help

Dr. Nayak diagnoses malaria early with the right tests, starts appropriate antimalarial treatment, and monitors for severe features — referring to hospital immediately when complications appear. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Fever with Chills
• Fever
• Acute Fever
• Anaemia & Blood Problems
• Kidney Health
• Abnormal Test Results