Bitten by the ‘M-bug’? All You Need to Know About Malaria

Malaria has always been a sneaky enemy. The mosquitoes carrying it are resilient and constantly outsmart us with their adaptive nature. From mosquito bats to coils and control machines, we've tried everything because prevention remains the ultimate solution. Fortunately, malaria is both preventable and curable, which is why the fight against malaria must remain a key public health concern.

India accounted for about 66% of malaria cases in the Southeast Asia region in 2022. It has been reported that around 44% of these cases were predominantly from about 27 districts in India, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Malaria is a disease that is spread through mosquito bites that carry minute parasites. When bitten, these parasites are injected into your bloodstream by the mosquito.

Plasmodium parasites cause malaria, and there are five species that can infect humans. Only female Anopheles mosquitoes carry these parasites. You get malaria when an infected mosquito bites you and injects the parasite into your bloodstream. Not all Anopheles mosquitoes carry malaria, but those that bite an infected person can spread the disease to others. These mosquitoes breed in warm & humid climates, making malaria more prevalent during rainy seasons in tropical and subtropical regions.

Most humans become malaria-infected through mosquito bites carrying Plasmodium parasites. However, rare transmissions can occur via: 

• Contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants (transmissions are extremely rare due to strict testing) 
• Sharing needles contaminated with malaria-infected blood 
• Transmission from an infected pregnant woman to their baby

Common symptoms  of malaria include:

• High fever
• Shaking chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Headache
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite

If untreated, malaria could turn into major health issues, like anaemia from the destruction of red blood cells and jaundice. The most serious form, cerebral malaria, occurs when parasites accumulate in the brain, leading to coma.

If you suspect symptoms of malaria, visit your doctor immediately. The doctor will review your medical history before prescribing diagnostic tests to confirm the disease. Treatment depends on the type of malaria, geographic location where you were infected, severity of symptoms, and other factors, including age and pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe antimalarial medications, medicines for fever control, and electrolytes to speed up your recovery.

“Drinking water hygiene and sanitation play an important role in reducing malaria risk. Education and awareness of these factors can lower the incidence of malaria. Early detection remains central to effectively combat malaria. In case of any symptoms, consult a doctor immediately,” says Dr Preetam Arthur, MBBS, MD, General Medicine, from Chennai.

Follow these precautionary steps to minimise the risk of contracting malaria and prevent mosquito bites:

• Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs)
  Sleeping under ITNs will protect one against mosquito bites. ITNs are treated with insecticides that kill or repel mosquitoes.
• Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)
  IRS involves spraying insecticides on interior walls, killing the mosquitoes that come in contact with the treated surfaces, thus reducing indoor malaria transmission.
• Personal protection
  Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites.
• Environmental management
  Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by emptying out still water, securing water storage, and removing dense plant growth.
• Home remedies
  Camphor's strong smell keeps mosquitoes away. Tulsi, an aromatic plant, also emits an odour that mosquitoes do not like, making it an effective natural repellent.

Malaria can become severe quickly. If you think you are infected and find any signs of malaria, you should consult your doctor immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the less the possibility of serious complications.

Serious symptoms of malaria include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Extreme fatigue
• Dark urine or blood in the urine
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Unusual bleeding

You can prevent malaria by using insecticide-treated bed nets, practising good sanitation, and taking personal protective measures. Early detection and treatment are important for effective management and preventing severe complications.

Malaria is a severe illness caused by parasites that are spread by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria include high fever, shivering, and headaches. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid serious complications and death.

Malaria’s distinct mode of transmission (mosquito bites), effect on red blood cells, and complicated life cycle of Plasmodium parasites make it a unique disease. It has also developed mechanisms of immune system evasion. Its dominance in tropical regions makes it a top public health concern.

Malaria is mainly transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria can be spread very rarely through blood transfusions, organ transplants, shared needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during delivery.

Malaria was once known as ague or marsh fever.

Mosquitoes that spread malaria are attracted to body heat, exhaled carbon dioxide, and certain body odours. Warm, humid environments and stagnant water are key factors that promote mosquito breeding.

Malaria is commonly caused by Plasmodium parasites and mosquito bites. It occurs more commonly in tropical and subtropical areas. Preventive measures include using insecticide-treated sleeping nets, indoor spraying, and personal protection measures. Malaria management involves early diagnosis and treatment.