Table 3 Local terminologies for describing symptoms of severe malaria and their interpretations

1. Sinsa

Convulsions

2. Ukuzanzauchila/usawawiya

Confusion/mental disorder

3. Wakapanga ama picture ngati akulola a film

Hallucination

4. Akakalila

Prostration

5. Insingo ikakalila

Stiff neck

6. Ukusanta

Fitting

7. Ukukana ukulya

Loss of appetite

8. Ukuchuluchila

Twitching

9. Ukutwinka

Sweating

10. Ukupolomia

Diarrhea

11. Icapamutwe

Fontanelle

12. Ukuluka inyonga

Vomiting yellow stuff

13. Ukuzakaza

Shivering

14. Ukulungula nkaninye

Very hot body

15. Ukunyonga

Stomach pains