Malaria 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Mosquito-Borne Illness

Malaria remains one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases, affecting millions every year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In India, cases often spike during the monsoon season, when warm temperatures and stagnant water create ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes. Understanding malaria’s causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment is essential for protecting yourself and your community.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Once inside the human body, the parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and later invade red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches. Without timely treatment, malaria can lead to severe complications, including cerebral malaria, anaemia, and organ failure.

Life Cycle and Stages of Malaria

Malaria progresses in three key stages:

1. Liver Stage (Pre-Erythrocytic Stage) – Parasites enter the liver and multiply silently for 7–14 days without showing symptoms.

2. Blood Stage (Erythrocytic Stage) – Parasites infect red blood cells, causing fever, chills, headaches, and other classic malaria symptoms.

3. Gametocyte Stage – Some parasites develop into sexual forms (gametocytes) that can be transmitted to another mosquito, continuing the cycle.

Types of Malaria Parasites Affecting Humans

Only five Plasmodium species cause malaria in humans:

• Plasmodium falciparum – The most dangerous and deadly species, common in Africa but also found in Asia.

• Plasmodium vivax – Widespread globally and capable of causing relapses months or years later.

• Plasmodium malariae – Causes milder symptoms but can persist for years.

• Plasmodium ovale – Similar to P. vivax and found mainly in Africa and some Asian regions.

• Plasmodium knowlesi – Primarily infects monkeys but can infect humans in Southeast Asia.

How Malaria Spreads

The malaria transmission process includes:

• An infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, injecting parasites into their bloodstream.

• Parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and enter red blood cells.

• Infected red blood cells burst, releasing more parasites and toxins, causing symptoms.

• If another mosquito bites the infected person, it becomes a carrier, spreading the cycle further.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Mosquito bites from infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

• Living or travelling to malaria-endemic regions.

• Environmental conditions such as stagnant water and warm weather.

• Weakened immune systems (young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals).

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms often appear 7–30 days after a mosquito bite. Common signs include:

• Fever and chills

• Severe headache

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Excessive sweating

• Abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea

Severe Malaria Symptoms

• Anaemia

• Breathing difficulty

• Seizures or confusion (cerebral malaria)

• Jaundice

• Organ failure

Diagnosis of Malaria

Accurate diagnosis is critical. The main methods include:

• Blood Smear Microscopy – Gold standard for identifying the parasite species.

• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) – Detect malaria antigens in blood within 15–30 minutes.

• PCR Testing – Highly sensitive method for detecting parasite DNA, useful for low-level infections.

Treatment for Malaria

Treatment depends on the parasite type, severity, and patient’s health condition.

Medications

• Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) – First-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum.

• Chloroquine – Still effective for chloroquine-sensitive strains.

• Other Antimalarials – Used for resistant cases or severe infections.

Supportive Care

• IV fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Pain relief (paracetamol) for fever and muscle aches.

• Blood transfusions for severe anaemia.

• Anticonvulsants for cerebral malaria cases.

Prevention of Malaria

1. Malaria Vaccine

The RTS,S vaccine is the first approved malaria vaccine, reducing the risk of infection from P. falciparum.

2. Personal Protection

• Use insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).

• Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin.

• Wear long-sleeved clothing during peak mosquito activity.

3. Vector Control

• Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) with insecticides.

• Eliminating stagnant water to reduce breeding sites.

4. Chemoprophylaxis

For travellers to endemic regions, preventive antimalarial medication may be prescribed.

Possible Complications of Malaria

• Severe Anaemia – Due to destruction of red blood cells.

• Cerebral Malaria – Brain swelling, seizures, and coma.

• Organ Failure – Damage to kidneys, liver, lungs, or heart.

• Pregnancy Complications – Miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

• Relapses – Caused by dormant parasites in P. vivax and P. ovale infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is malaria contagious?
No. Malaria is not spread person-to-person except through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during birth.

Can malaria go away without treatment?
No. Untreated malaria can cause severe illness or death. Medical care is essential.

How long after a mosquito bite do symptoms appear?
Typically 10–15 days, but some types can remain dormant for months.

Are pregnant women and children at higher risk?
Yes. They are more prone to severe complications and need extra protection.

Conclusion

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but only with timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and proactive prevention. We at EMC Hospitals are committed to spreading awareness and providing world-class care for malaria patients. By adopting preventive measures such as using insecticide-treated nets, eliminating stagnant water, and seeking prompt medical help, communities can significantly reduce the malaria burden.

Book your consultation today and experience expert care you can trust. Call us now or visit our hospital for more details!