A recent trip to Africa resulted in fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and diarrhea. What is the likely diagnosis?

The symptoms presented—fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and diarrhea—are highly indicative of malaria, especially in the context of recent travel to Africa, where malaria is endemic. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The characteristic symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of about 1 to 2 weeks and can include cyclical fevers, chills, sweating, and systemic malaise.

In this scenario, the acute onset of fever and associated symptoms aligns well with malaria infection, commonly seen in travelers returning from endemic regions. Diarrhea is not the classic symptom of malaria but can occur, adding to the complexity of the presentation.

Other conditions such as typhoid fever, dengue fever, and leptospirosis can also occur in travelers and may present with fever and systemic symptoms. However, typhoid fever typically involves gastrointestinal disturbances more prominently and may present with abdominal pain and rose spots rather than myalgia or headaches being the most pronounced symptoms. Dengue fever usually features significant arthralgia, but it typically presents with a more severe rash and bleeding tendencies. Leptospirosis can present similarly but is often associated with a history of exposure to contaminated