QUESTION
Is urticaria a symptom of malaria?
ANSWER
Yes, urticaria, also known as hives, is associated with malaria infection. It is more commonly known from infection with Plasmodium falciparum but has also been reported as accompanying P. vivax infection.
I had falciparum malaria about 10 years ago. My first symptom, before fever or vomiting (which followed immediately after the rash appeared), was a very itchy raised rash which began in the folds and edges of my skin (e.g. behind knees and around lips and eyelids) and spread over my whole body. I have always wondered about this rash as I have never seen it cited as a symptom before. I have had urticaria in cases of allergy before, and now I can see that the rash I had with malaria was also urticaria. I am really pleased to have resolved this mini mystery, thanks to this post!