Which of the following is a symptom characteristic of later stages of malaria?

Emaciation is a symptom characteristic of the later stages of malaria due to the severe impact of the disease on the body's nutritional status and overall health. In advanced stages, malaria can lead to complications such as severe anemia, which is associated with a significant loss of red blood cells, and this malnutrition can result in weight loss and a general state of emaciation. The body's resources are heavily taxed as it struggles to combat the infection, leading to muscle loss and fat depletion, contributing to the appearance of emaciation. This symptom serves as a visible indicator of the severity of the disease and the body's deteriorating condition as it fights the malaria parasite.

In contrast, while stomach pain, fatigue, and frequent urination may occur with malaria, they are not as definitive of the later stages of the disease. Stomach pain can arise due to various illnesses, including malaria, but it's not unique to its advanced stages. Fatigue is a common early symptom of many infections, including malaria, and frequent urination is not specifically associated with malaria progression. The distinctiveness of emaciation as a symptom in the later stages underlines its significance in identifying the severity and complications of malaria.