Table 1

List of most common Kiswahili terms used by mothers of Muheza town for malaria related symptoms and signs in their infants.

Kiswahili term
English translation

Homa
Febrile illness
Homa kali
Strong febrile illness
Homa mara kwa mara
Febrile illness on-and-off
Joto
Heat
Joto la watu
Contagion with carnal heat
Kifafa
Seizures as in epilepsy, grand mal
Kubanua mbavu
Ribs spreading apart, chest in-drawing
Kulegea
Weakened, soft, as overripe fruits
Kupauka
Paleness, to become pale
Kustuka
To jerk, startle
Mashetani
Evil spirits, scare infants from breastfeeding
Mchango
Literally 'worms', convulsions when used with Kustuka
Pumo
Difficult breathing, asthma
Zongo
Evil eyes, evil eye illness, with breastfeeding failure/vomiting, by bewitchment

Ringsted et al. Malaria Journal 2006 5:111   doi:10.1186/1475-2875-5-111