What Causes Low Grade Fever And Severe Fatigue When Diagnosed With Malaria?

Posted on Thu, 20 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 18 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter was diagnosed with malaria today, after having been in Panama 6 weeks ago.
What can I do to help with home care.
She is experiencing low grade fever and severe fatigue.
She also just returned from Costa Rica whee she volunteered in reptile reserve for 1 month.
Ideas would be helpful to make her comfortable.
Thank you,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Regarding your concern, I think in this situation, your daughter needs hospitalization for a better result.

I need to know which type of Plasmodium she is having...

You should know that Malaria can be a severe potentially fatal disease (especially when caused by plasmodium falciparum) and treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Usually according to my experience patient with malaria needs to hospitalized and to follow up with CBC, abdominal ultrasound, thick and thin blood smear during the fever with shivering.

She needs to start an antimalarial treatment with Chloroquine or Mefloquine, or Artemether (it depends on the type of parasites and its drug resistance status) etc.

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish your daughter a good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee