A cyclical fever driven by a parasite
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites carried by Anopheles mosquitoes that bite mainly between dusk and dawn. Both P. vivax and the more dangerous P. falciparum are seen here, and the species changes how the illness behaves and how it is treated. Because the early fever resembles many infections, a blood test is the only reliable confirmation — if you have an undiagnosed fever, start with our fever clinic in Greater Noida.
What to watch for
Fever with marked chills and shivering, often followed by sweating.
A fever that comes and goes, sometimes every couple of days.
Headache, body ache and nausea; anaemia and an enlarged spleen if prolonged.
Malaria vs dengue vs typhoid
A general guide only — testing confirms the cause, and more than one can occur together.
| Feature | Malaria | Dengue | Typhoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever pattern | Chills, rigors, often cyclical | Sudden high fever, body ache, low platelets | Sustained, building over days |
| Hallmark | Parasite found on smear | Falling platelets, bleeding risk | Gut symptoms, prolonged fever |
| Key test | Antigen test / blood smear | NS1 / IgM and CBC | Blood culture |
| Treatment | Antimalarial medicines | Supportive, platelet monitoring | Antibiotics after assessment |
Where the picture overlaps, dengue, chikungunya and typhoid are assessed alongside, since more than one infection can be present together.
Smear and rapid testing
Diagnosis rests on a peripheral blood smear — still the reference test — often alongside a rapid antigen test for a quick answer. Identifying the species and the parasite load guides treatment and tells us how closely you need to be watched.
Species-matched treatment
Treatment depends on the species, severity and your individual factors, so it is matched to your test results rather than treated generically — the correct antimalarial course with hydration, symptom control and review to confirm the parasite is clearing. Falciparum malaria in particular is taken seriously because it can turn severe. Specific medicines and doses are decided in consultation.
When malaria becomes an emergency
Falciparum malaria can progress to cerebral involvement, severe anaemia or organ problems if treatment is delayed, and some forms of vivax can relapse weeks later if not fully cleared. High fever with chills plus drowsiness, reduced urine, breathlessness or jaundice needs urgent care. Completing the prescribed course and attending follow-up reduce these risks.
Why consult a physician?
As a general physician in Greater Noida with experience in internal medicine and infectious illness, Dr. Manuj confirms the cause of a fever before treating it and recognises early when a case needs escalation. Care sits within a broader fever assessment; complicated or relapsing infections are also seen as an infectious disease physician.
Fever is not treated blindly. The aim is to identify the cause, test rationally, and recognise severe malaria early so it can be escalated without delay.
How to lower your risk
Prevention centres on avoiding mosquito bites and removing breeding sites: use repellents and nets, cover exposed skin in the evening, and clear standing water around the home — the same measures that reduce dengue and chikungunya.
From our Google reviews
"Dr. Manuj Sondhi is indeed an infectious diseases expert. My 70-year-old father, a spinal TB patient, could not tolerate his first-line treatment. Dr. Sondhi assessed his case personally and modified the treatment to a level my father could tolerate."
"He is knowledgeable and patient, and takes the time to listen carefully. The most important thing is that he doesn't prescribe extra medication unless absolutely necessary — he focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. Highly recommend."
Genuine reviews from Nirvana Clinic's Google profile; patient names withheld for privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida
Shop GF-93, Sun Twilight Mall, opposite Delta 1 Metro Station, Greater Noida, UP 201308
📞 +91 8800262767 · ✉️ [email protected]
This page is general information, not a substitute for in-person medical advice.