Symptom Of Malaria In Early Pregnancy

Malaria infection comes with variety of symptoms. However, symptoms of malaria in people in emedmeic areas is mild compare to people in nine endemic areas.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Five species of malarial parasites infect humans (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium knowlesi). P. vivax is the most common worldwide; P. falciparum is responsible for the most severe disease.

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Symptoms Of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria include fever, myalgias, chills, headaches and malaise. Anemia is prominent. Infected red blood cells can adhere to the microvasculature in the lungs and brain and cause endothelial damage leading to the severe manifestations of the disease. This includes seizures, mental confusion, coma, kidney failure, respiratory distress and even death. Deterioration in condition is unpredictable and can occur rapidly.

Pregnant woman

Symptom Of Malaria In Pregnancy

Pregnant women infected with malaria usually have more severe symptoms and outcomes, with higher rates of miscarriage, intrauterine demise, premature delivery, low-birth-weight neonates, and neonatal death. They are also at a higher risk for severe anemia and maternal death.

Severe maternal symptoms such as cerebral malaria, respiratory distress and death. In areas where transmission is stable and occurs throughout the year, women have developed partial immunity and are often asymptomatic when infected, yet they remain at risk for severe anemia. Additionally, infected red blood cells can adhere to placental microvasculature, impairing fetal growth and increasing the risk for stillbirth.