B50.8: Other severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

You have malaria.

You have been infected with specific pathogens. These pathogens are single-cell organisms and they propagate in the red blood cells, in particular. This damages the red blood cells, and they may burst.

If the red blood cells burst, the pathogens are distributed to the entire body via the blood. This usually causes a high temperature and shivering. The patient often feels alternately hot and cold. They are usually less resilient, too, and tired. They often have headaches and aching limbs as with the common cold. You will often also have a diarrhea.

The malaria has damaged your organs. Then, for example, you can have breathing problems, or minor injuries can cause heavy bleeding. Often, too, the kidneys and liver stop working properly. This can make you very sick.

The pathogens are often transmitted by certain mosquitoes. This requires warm conditions. This is why malaria usually occurs in warm regions. You should try especially to protect yourself against mosquitoes there.