QUESTION What is the effect of malaria on host? ANSWER In the human host, malaria can often make a person very sick, though the exact symptoms and severity of the disease depends on the type of malaria (five different kinds of malaria infect humans). Many people will have a high fever, chills, nausea and body aches. In a symptom very typical of malaria, a patient will experience cyclical … [Read more...]
Vaccine for malaria? Differences with yellow fever?
QUESTION Is there a vaccine to prevent malaria? What is the difference between yellow fever and malaria? ANSWER In answer to your first question, no, there is not currently a vaccine available to prevent malaria. The best current candidate, the RTS,S vaccine which was developed by GlaxoSmithKline, is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials in Africa. Although preliminary results … [Read more...]
Swelling of Lymph Nodes and Malaria
QUESTION I would like to know if swelling of lymph nodes in neck is any way connect to malaria? ANSWER Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection, and so swollen lymph nodes are certainly sometimes observed in malaria patients. However, most malaria infections would also be associated with other symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea and aches. … [Read more...]
Fever and Body Aches with Malaria
QUESTION Is bad throat and fever with with body ache the symptom of malaria? ANSWER While fever and body aches are certainly some of the symptoms associated with malaria, a sore throat is well common, but could be the result of enlarged lymph nodes. It is important to note that these symptoms are also present with many other diseases; in fact, the symptoms of malaria are so general that … [Read more...]
Joint Pain and Malaria
QUESTION Could an onset of joint pain and swelling plus hurting all over be a residual for someone who has had malaria? ANSWER Once someone has been treated for malaria, they should not experience any further residual effects, particularly if the infection was uncomplicated and treated using oral medication. Joint pain, swelling and pain could well be indications of another infection, and … [Read more...]