Early Signs of Typhoid and Malaria: What to Watch For
During the rainy season in Nigeria and other tropical regions, cases of typhoid and malaria tend to increase significantly. These two diseases share some symptoms, which often leads to confusion and self-medication. Unfortunately, this can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the early signs of typhoid and malaria is essential for timely medical attention and recovery.
Understanding the Difference
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, while typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, usually spread through contaminated food and water.
Because both diseases can start with fever and weakness, knowing how to spot their early signs can help you act fast, get the right tests, and avoid complications.
Common Early Symptoms of Malaria
- High Fever: Usually comes in cycles, often with chills and sweating.
- Chills and Shivering: One of the first signs, followed by fever.
- Headache: Often severe and persistent.
- Muscle Aches: General body weakness and joint pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Sometimes with abdominal discomfort.
- Fatigue: Even without physical activity, the body feels drained.
Malaria symptoms can appear 7–14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In areas where malaria is common, symptoms may appear more subtly due to partial immunity.
Common Early Symptoms of Typhoid
- Gradual Fever: Starts low and increases daily, often rising in the evening.
- Abdominal Pain: Especially around the lower right side of the stomach.
- Loss of Appetite: Often accompanied by nausea.
- Headache: Mild to moderate, along with general tiredness.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: Typhoid can cause either, especially in children.
- Dry Cough: A less common but possible symptom in the early stage.
Typhoid symptoms typically develop 6–30 days after exposure to the bacteria, often progressing slowly and lasting longer than malaria symptoms if untreated.
Key Differences Between Typhoid and Malaria
| Symptoms | Malaria | Typhoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fever Pattern | Sudden, high, comes with chills | Gradual, increases over days |
| Chills & Sweating | Very common | Rare |
| Headache | Severe and sharp | Mild to moderate |
| Stomach Pain | Sometimes mild | More severe, especially in the lower right abdomen |
| Diarrhea or Constipation | Not typical | Common |
| Cause | Parasite (Plasmodium) | Bacteria (Salmonella typhi) |
| Mode of Transmission | Mosquito bite | Contaminated food or water |
Why You Shouldn’t Guess or Self-Medicate
In Nigeria, many people assume any fever is malaria or typhoid and begin to treat themselves with anti-malaria or antibiotics. This can be dangerous. Taking unnecessary drugs may worsen the condition, cause drug resistance, or lead to delayed treatment of the real illness.
Proper diagnosis through a lab test is the safest and most accurate way to confirm what you’re dealing with. A simple blood test can show malaria parasites, while the Widal test or blood culture can confirm typhoid.
When to See a Doctor
- If your fever lasts more than two days
- If you experience severe abdominal pain
- When chills, vomiting, or weakness become unbearable
- If you’re not responding to malaria treatment after 48 hours
Never delay seeking medical help, especially during the rainy season when both diseases are common.
Prevention Tips
To Prevent Malaria:
- Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Use mosquito repellents at night
- Keep your environment clean and free from stagnant water
- Close windows and doors early, especially in the evening
To Prevent Typhoid:
- Drink clean, filtered, or boiled water
- Wash hands regularly, especially before eating
- Avoid eating food from dirty or open vendors
- Cook meat and food thoroughly
Conclusion
Both typhoid and malaria are serious illnesses that require immediate medical attention. Recognizing the early signs of typhoid and malaria can save your life or that of someone close to you. Always prioritize lab tests over assumptions, and take preventive measures seriously—especially during the rainy season when risks are higher.
Health is wealth. Don’t gamble with your life or rely on guesswork. Know the signs, take action, and stay safe.
