Malaria is a common and potentially serious disease in Uganda, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
If you are experiencing fever, chills, or body aches, you can get personalised malaria advice and treatment from licensed doctors through Hope Plus to start treatment early and avoid complications.
Uncomplicated Malaria Symptoms in Uganda
Uncomplicated malaria usually causes mild symptoms, which may include:
- Fever above 37.5°C (or history of fever)
- Loss of appetite, mild vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Weakness, headache, joint and muscle pain
- Mild anaemia (pale palms and mucous membranes), especially in children
- Mild dehydration
- Slightly enlarged, soft, and tender spleen in acute cases
Most people with uncomplicated malaria can recover with oral antimalarial medications, rest, hydration, and paracetamol for fever.
Severe (Complicated) Malaria Symptoms in Uganda
Severe malaria is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. It occurs when Plasmodium falciparum parasites multiply and cause serious complications. Common signs include:
Defining complications:
- Cerebral malaria: Deep coma, inability to respond to pain
- Severe anaemia: Hemoglobin below 5 g/dl (<7 g/dl in pregnancy)
- Respiratory distress: Fast or laboured breathing
- Hypoglycaemia: Blood sugar < 40 mg/dl
- Circulatory collapse: Low blood pressure, cold skin, clammy hands
- Renal failure: Very low urine output with high creatinine
- Spontaneous bleeding: Nose, gum, or internal bleeding
- Repeated convulsions
- Acidosis or haemoglobin in urine
Supporting signs:
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Jaundice
- Severe vomiting or dehydration
- High fever >39.5°C
- Very high parasite levels in blood
Differential Diagnoses
Other conditions can look like malaria, so tests are important:
- Respiratory or urinary tract infections
- Meningitis, ear infections, tonsillitis
- Skin infections or abscesses
- Measles or viral infections with rashes
How Malaria Is Diagnosed in Uganda
- Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Detect malaria antigens quickly; may stay positive for 2–3 weeks after treatment
- Blood slides (microscopy): Identify parasites and species; recommended if symptoms persist after treatment
- Other tests if needed: Blood sugar, hemoglobin levels, or lumbar puncture for unusual cases
Treatment of Malaria
- Uncomplicated malaria: Oral Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), rest, hydration, and paracetamol
- Severe malaria: Hospitalisation with intravenous antimalarials, fluids, and monitoring
- Early treatment is essential to prevent life-threatening complications
Prevention of Malaria
- Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Clear stagnant water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding
- Wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellents
- Indoor residual spraying where available
