QUESTION If a mosquito carrying malaria is biting you, do you get sick the next day? ANSWER No. There is a delay called the incubation period, which usually is between 7 to 30 days (depending on the malarial parasite the anopheles mosquito is carrying). The shorter periods are observed most frequently from P. falciparum and the longer ones with P. malariae. Antimalarial drugs taken … [Read more...]
How Long Does it Take to Feel Ill from Malaria?
QUESTION How soon does a person usually to feel ill after malaria infection? ANSWER After being bitten by an infected mosquito, there is an "incubation period" before the person begins to suffer from symptoms of malaria. This time corresponds to the period the malaria parasite spends in the liver; it is once it enters the blood and begins to destroy red blood cells that initiate the onset … [Read more...]
Causes of Malaria
QUESTION What are the causes of malaria? ANSWER Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and … [Read more...]
Is it just a cold?
QUESTION I came back from a Kenya safari and Mombasa beach holiday 21 days ago. I took my malaria tablets as prescribed, and only got 5 bites on my last morning. Since yesterday, I have been feeling hot then cold, though not shivering or overly sweating. A headache which is constantly there. I have also today been sick after eating/drinking. Feeling really tired. Also sore throat and … [Read more...]