Ampath Diagnostic Guide | Pathology solutions are in our DNA
🦠 What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells.
- The most dangerous species is Plasmodium falciparum, which causes cerebral malaria
- Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito
⚠️ Malaria Symptoms
Symptoms usually start 7–9 days after the mosquito bite.
Common early symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Body aches (back, abdomen)
Symptoms can appear months later (up to 8–10 months) if prevention was inadequate.
Severe symptoms (if untreated):
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- Kidney failure
- Death
Malaria often mimics flu-like symptoms. If you experience these symptoms even six months after visiting a malaria area, seek urgent medical attention and inform your doctor about your travel history.
🧒 Malaria in Children & Pregnancy
Children:
- All children, including infants, must use anti-malaria medication (chemoprophylaxis)
- Dosage depends on age and weight — overdose can be fatal
- Medication must be:
- Prescribed correctly
- Stored in childproof containers
- Avoid travelling with children under 5 years old to malaria-risk areas
Pregnant Women:
- Avoid malaria areas if possible
- Malaria increases risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Maternal and fetal death
- If travel is unavoidable, consult a specialist for:
- Risk evaluation
- Appropriate preventative medication
🌍 High-Risk Malaria Areas
In South Africa:
- Limpopo
- Parts of Mpumalanga
- Northeast KwaZulu-Natal
- High transmission during wet months: September to May
Elsewhere in Africa:
- Year-round risk: Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, parts of Swaziland, Zambezi Valley (Zimbabwe)
- High-risk from November to June: Northern Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe areas below 1200m elevation
🧪 Malaria Diagnosis
Methods:
- Microscopy: Blood smear examined under microscope
- Rapid tests: Antigen detection kits
- PCR & lab tests: Used for difficult-to-diagnose cases
- Travellers to remote areas may carry self-testing kits
💊 Malaria Treatment
- Treatment varies by geographic region due to drug resistance
- Only a doctor can prescribe the correct medication
- Travel history must be shared to ensure proper treatment
- Suspected malaria = medical emergency → requires urgent treatment
🛡️ Malaria Prevention
1. Consult Your Doctor
- Before traveling to malaria areas, get medical advice and take prophylaxis as prescribed
2. Prevent Mosquito Bites
General precautions:
- Avoid mosquito exposure especially in the early morning and evening
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Use insect repellent containing 20–35% DEET
- Spray repellent on clothing, not just skin
While sleeping:
- Use a mosquito net treated with insecticide
- Ensure windows and doors have screens
- Spray insecticide (e.g. permethrin) in the room before bedtime
🚫 Malaria Prophylaxis – Common Misconceptions
- “It’s better not to take prophylaxis because it masks symptoms” → ❌ Wrong
- “You can stop taking the meds once you leave the area” → ❌ Wrong – Continue as prescribed
- “Alcohol in your blood prevents bites” → ❌ False
✅ Final Note
Malaria is both preventable and treatable — but early action is essential.
Always follow prevention guidelines and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
📍 Visit www.ampath.co.za or your nearest Ampath Care Centre for more info.