What is a common symptom of malaria?

Fever is a hallmark symptom of malaria and is primarily due to the cyclical release of parasitic organisms into the bloodstream. This cycle corresponds with the life stages of the malaria parasite, particularly when the parasites burst from red blood cells, leading to a sudden spike in temperature. The fever can be intermittent and can also be accompanied by chills and sweating, reflecting the parasitic lifecycle.

While other symptoms like skin rash, nausea, and joint pain can occur in various illnesses, they are not as specifically associated with malaria as fever is. Fever is often the earliest and most distinctive sign that prompts testing for malaria, making it a critical symptom in the diagnosis and management of the disease.