Malaria is sometimes misdiagnosed as Flu

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Flu, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Malaria.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted to the human through the bite of an infected mosquito. About 40% of the world’s population is at risk for malarial infection and is responsible for 2000 deaths every day; the majority of which are children. Symptoms include fever, chill, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle pain and fatigue. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed with blood sample microscopy visualisation of the Giemsa-stained parasite. Malaria’s symptoms often mimic other diseases such as the influenza and this test needs to be run to confirm disease. Delay in diagnosis and treatment from misdiagnosis can lead to coma, and sudden death.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, general discomfort, headache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, fast breathing, fast heart rate, cough

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

Further reference: