Feeling feverish is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Most people commonly associate fever with high or low body temperature or malaria, but many other infections can also cause a fever.
COVID-19, injuries that cause inflammation, dehydration, especially when one hasn’t had water for extended periods, and even vaccinations can trigger fever. In fact, it’s not uncommon for individuals to experience fever within the first one or two hours after vaccination as the body reacts.
So, What Really Causes Fever?
Shaban Mwangi, a researcher at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, explains that fever can occur when parasites carrying an infection move from one red blood cell to another. He emphasizes that because there are many infections that can cause fever, it’s crucial for individuals to visit a hospital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
“Malaria and other fever-causing infections have specific medications,” he says. “Taking medication without a proper check-up can lead to serious health complications, including kidney and liver failure, as well as heart-related problems.”
Mwangi adds that it is possible for someone to have two concurrent infections that cause fever. This can result in severe pain, organ failure if not treated promptly, prolonged recovery time, and a weakened immune system, opening the door to other diseases.
However, he notes that there are subtle ways to identify what might be causing the fever. Symptoms such as sweating, shivering, chills, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and lack of thirst can help point to the underlying issue. For children, Mwangi urges parents and guardians to take them to the hospital immediately if they develop a fever.
“Children’s immune systems are much weaker compared to adults’, which makes them more vulnerable to new diseases that cause fever,” he explains.
In cases where medical tests don’t reveal a specific infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to manage the symptoms. However, Mwangi warns that this practice can lead to another growing global concern: antimicrobial resistance. Inappropriate use of antibiotics allows parasites to develop resistance, rendering treatments ineffective.
He also highlights the role of climate change in altering the behavior of disease transmitters like mosquitoes. These changes make it more challenging to control the spread of infections and require intensified efforts in public health responses.
Through its malaria surveillance platform, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust – Kilifi is conducting a research project aimed at identifying other sources of fever beyond malaria. The initiative also seeks to equip health workers with improved diagnostic tools and ensure patients receive the correct treatment, including responsible use of antibiotics.
The study is currently being conducted in three dispensaries in Kilifi County: Pingilikani, Jungu, and Ngerenya. A previous study by the institution revealed that 50% of fever-causing infections were not due to malaria, prompting this ongoing research.
