Malaria

Diagnosis

To diagnose malaria, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history, including recent travel to areas where malaria is common. A physical examination is performed to check for signs of infection, followed by blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Blood tests help:

• Confirm the presence of the malaria parasite in the blood

• Identify the specific type of malaria parasite causing symptoms

• Determine whether the parasite is resistant to certain medications

• Assess if the infection is causing serious complications

Some blood tests provide results within minutes, while others may take several days. Based on symptoms and test results, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to evaluate complications affecting organs such as the liver, kidneys, or brain.

Treatment

Malaria is treated using prescription medications that kill the parasite. The choice of treatment and duration depend on several factors, including the type of malaria parasite, symptom severity, age, and pregnancy status.

Treatment is based on:

• The specific malaria parasite identified

• How severe the illness is

• The patient’s age

• Whether the patient is pregnant

Common antimalarial medications include:

• Chloroquine phosphate, used when the parasite is sensitive to the drug, though resistance is common in many regions

• Artemisinin-based combination therapies, which are often the preferred treatment for chloroquine-resistant malaria and include combinations such as artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-mefloquine

Other antimalarial treatment options may include:

• Atovaquone-proguanil

• Quinine sulfate combined with doxycycline

• Primaquine phosphate

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery from malaria.