QUESTION

Do people need to receive blood if they get malaria?

ANSWER

Usually not. Most cases of malaria are uncomplicated and are treated using oral antibiotics. However, if the disease progresses sufficiently and the patient is not promptly treated, it can become more severe. This is particularly true for infection with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which can lead to impaired consciousness, coma and even death. In these severe cases, maintaining the patient’s balance of fluids, electrolytes and blood pressure is crucial, and so administration of plasma or blood might be required.