Disease
Malaria
Overview of Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a major public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Though serious, malaria is preventable and curable with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Malaria
- Plasmodium falciparum: The most dangerous type; can lead to severe illness or death.
- Plasmodium vivax: More common in Asia and Latin America; can cause relapses months after infection.
- Plasmodium ovale: Less common, can remain dormant in the liver.
- Plasmodium malariae: Rare, usually causes milder symptoms.
- Plasmodium knowlesi: A zoonotic type found in Southeast Asia, can infect humans from macaques.
Symptoms of Malaria
- High fever, often recurring
- Chills and shivering
- Sweating, especially at night
- Headache and muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Confusion or seizures in severe cases (cerebral malaria)
Causes of Malaria
- Caused by Plasmodium parasites.
- Spread through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
Rarely, it can be transmitted by:
- Blood transfusion
- Organ transplantation
- Shared needles
- Mother to child during pregnancy (congenital malaria)
Complications in Malaria
- Severe anemia
- Organ failure (kidney, liver)
- Low blood sugar (especially in pregnant women and children)
- Cerebral malaria (swelling of the brain)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs)
Death if untreated
Risk Factors of Malaria
- Living or traveling in high-risk regions (Africa, Southeast Asia, South America)
- Lack of access to preventive healthcare
- Young children and pregnant women
- Weakened immune systems
- Not using mosquito protection or prophylactic medications
Preventions of Malaria
- Use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)
- Indoor insecticide spraying
- Wearing long-sleeved clothes at night
- Taking antimalarial prophylaxis when traveling to endemic areas
- Eliminating stagnant water sources to reduce mosquito breeding
- Recent introduction of malaria vaccines, for example RTS,S for children
Diagnosis of Malaria
- Microscopic blood smear: To identify malaria parasites in red blood cells
- Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Quick detection of malaria antigens
- PCR testing: For more accurate and species-specific identification
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess anemia and platelet levels
Treatments of Malaria
- Antimalarial medications like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
- Chloroquine for sensitive strains
- Primaquine or Tafenoquine to prevent relapses in P. vivax or P. ovale
- Hospitalisation for severe or cerebral malaria
- Supportive care: fluids, oxygen, blood transfusions if needed
Prognosis of Malaria
- Excellent if diagnosed and treated early
- Higher risk of complications or death in young children, pregnant women, and those without prior immunity
- Recurrent episodes possible without complete treatment, especially with P. vivax and P. ovale
- Lifelong immunity may develop in those frequently exposed, but not complete protection
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised treatment plans based on malaria type and severity
- Access to latest antimalarial medications and advanced diagnostics
- International patient support for malaria treatment in India
- Monitoring and post-treatment care for relapse prevention
- Expert infectious disease specialists and trained staff
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What type of malaria do I have, and is it dangerous?
- How long will the treatment take?
- Will I need to be hospitalized?
- Can malaria return after treatment?
- Are there side effects to the medication?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear explanation of the type and stage of malaria
- Timely diagnosis and test reports
- Guidance on how to take antimalarial drugs
- Instructions for preventing relapse or re-infection
- Answers about travel safety and precautions
- Emotional reassurance and ongoing support
- Advice on nutrition and recovery
- Monitoring plan and follow-up care