An interval free of symptoms follows, lasting one, two or three days, before the series of fever and chills begins again. This may continue for a week to a month or longer. Persons who are partially immune, or who have been taking preventive medication may have atypical symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum may cause more serious symptoms, including shock, kidney and liver failure, coma, and death. Symptoms usually occur within 1 to 2 weeks after the bite of an infected mosquito, but may be delayed for up to 6 to 12 months with P. vivax .
Malaria is diagnosed by identifying the parasites in the red blood cells under a microscope.
Yes, Malaria can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics. Malaria in some parts of the world has become resistant to the most frequently used antibiotic, Chloroquine. Individuals who have become ill with malaria after travel to those countries should be treated initially with another drug. P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae require a second medication after primary treatment to prevent relapses. An individual infected with malaria is not directly infectious to other individuals except through sharing of blood contaminated needles.