The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Diseases and Conditions

​Malaria

​Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by the bite of a mosquito that affects your liver and red blood cells. Common to tropical and sub-tropical climates, it leads to recurrent attacks of chills and fever.

While everyone is susceptible of contracting malaria from a mosquito bite, it can prove to be riskier for young children, pregnant women and people coming from temperate climates

Early symptoms for malaria include:

  • Fever and chills

  • Headaches and muscle pain

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue​

If you experience symptoms related to malaria, consult your family doctor at the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital. You can also visit a doctor at the Internal Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.​​​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​
Malarial parasite microscopy and malaria antigen test (MP ICT) are both performed in blood sample to diagnose malaria. Other blood tests include complete blood count (CBC) and your doctor may request other tests to check functions of liver, kidneys, etc. depending on clinical symptoms.

​Disclaimer: Kindly consult your physician before getting the above-mentioned tests.​

Treatment of malaria is carried out through medication. However the type of drug and the length of treatment you are prescribed will depend on:

  • Your age

  • The type of malaria strain you have as well as the severity of the symptoms

  • Whether you are pregnant​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.