Uncomplicated malaria is malaria in which the person has symptoms and/or signs of malaria but no features indicating severe disease.
Uncomplicated malaria can cause fever, chills, headache, body aches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Although it is not classified as severe malaria, it still requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment because untreated malaria can progress to severe disease.
Treatment depends on the infecting parasite, local drug-resistance patterns, national guidelines, and other patient-specific factors.
QUICK FACT
“Uncomplicated” does not mean “unimportant” or “harmless.” Malaria can progress from uncomplicated to severe disease.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Severe malaria — The distinction is based on the presence or absence of features indicating serious disease or organ dysfunction, not simply on how uncomfortable the person feels.
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