Spleen Enlargement with Malaria

QUESTION

Will malaria present without splenic enlargement?

ANSWER

Splenomegaly is commonly one of the early and consistent signs of malaria, with the spleen being palpable sometimes as early as the first paroxysm but usually becoming noticeable after the first week of illness. However, absence of splenic enlargement does not eliminate malaria as the cause of illness, and a blood test should be used to confirm diagnosis.