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

1. Plasmodium falciparum: The most dangerous type; can lead to severe illness or death.

2. Plasmodium vivax: More common in Asia and Latin America; can cause relapses months after infection.

3. Plasmodium ovale: Less common, can remain dormant in the liver.

4. Plasmodium malariae: Rare, usually causes milder symptoms.

5. 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