B52.8: Plasmodium malariae malaria with other complications

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. The fever may recur in cycles every 4 days. This is typical of malaria. They are usually less resilient, too, and tired. They often have headaches and aching limbs as with the common cold.

Malaria usually damages the red blood cells. Then the body is unable to transport as much oxygen. This can cause you to become tired more quickly or have breathing problems. You can also look pale.

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. Even if someone has had malaria before, they can get it again. This sometimes only happens after several years.