Malaria: Its Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is Malaria?

Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is a life-threatening disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most common types of malaria parasites that infect humans. Malaria poses a significant global health challenge and affects millions of people worldwide. Malaria is a tropical disease that is prevalent in many countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and parts of South America.

As per the 2021 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for 83% of cases of malaria in Southeast Asia. Malaria has a profound impact not only on individual health but also on economic development in affected regions. Research shows that malaria disproportionately affects children under the age of five and pregnant women.

Malaria can lead to severe symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache and fatigue. If left untreated, malaria can result in complications such as organ failure and even death. It can be prevented through various measures such as using insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and taking antimalarial medications when travelling to endemic areas.

Symptoms of Malaria

Being aware of the malaria symptoms can help individuals recognise the early stages of the infection. 

Here are the Common Malaria  Symptoms

• High Fever and Chills
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Chest Pain
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Headache
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Malaria Causes
• Diarrhoea
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin)
• Breathing Problems and Cough

Here, we discuss the common malaria symptoms.

High Fever and Chills

One of the earliest signs of malaria is a high fever that comes in cycles. The fever is often accompanied by chills, where the person experiences intense coldness followed by shivering.

Nausea or Vomiting

Malaria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. These malaria symptoms may occur alongside the fever or as a separate manifestation.

Chest Pain

In some cases, malaria can lead to chest pain or discomfort. If someone experiences any chest pain along with other malaria symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor immediately.

Rapid Heartbeat

Malaria may also result in a rapid heartbeat or palpitations. This malaria symptom can be distressing and requires medical evaluation.

Headache

Headaches are common in many illnesses, including malaria. However, if someone has a persistent headache along with other symptoms like fever, it's essential to consider malaria as a potential cause.

Muscle and Joint Pain

Malaria Causes muscle and joint pain. This pain can range from mild to severe and may affect multiple areas of the body.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can occur as part of the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with malaria. It is important to stay hydrated during episodes of diarrhoea to prevent further complications.

Jaundice (yellowing of skin)

Severe cases of malaria can lead to jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. If someone notices this symptom, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention.

Breathing Problems and Cough

Malaria can affect the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and a persistent cough. 

Causes of Malaria

Understanding malaria causes is crucial in order to take preventive measures and reduce the risk of contracting the disease. 

Addressing The Major Causes of Malaria

Some of the major malaria causes include:

• Mosquito Bites: The primary malaria cause is the bite of infected mosquitoes. When a mosquito carrying the Plasmodium parasite bites a person, it injects the parasite into their bloodstream.

• Travel to Malaria-Endemic Areas: Malaria is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, South America and Oceania. Travelling to these areas increases the risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes.

• Lack of Effective Vector Control: Inadequate mosquito control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, contribute to the spread of malaria. 

• Lack of Access to Hospitals: Limited access to hospital facilities and diagnostic tools in some regions can delay diagnosis and malaria treatment, allowing the disease to progress unchecked.

• Resistance to anti-malarial drugs: Over time, the Plasmodium parasites have developed resistance to certain anti-malarial drugs, making malaria treatment less effective in some cases.

Role of Plasmodium in Causing Malaria

The Plasmodium parasite plays a critical role in causing malaria. Once it enters the human body through a mosquito bite, it travels to the liver, where it multiplies and matures. From the liver, the parasites invade red blood cells, where they continue to multiply.

During this stage, infected individuals may start experiencing malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The release of toxins by the multiplying parasites leads to the characteristic cyclic fever associated with malaria.

The malaria life cycle is complex as it involves both the mosquito vector and human hosts. Female Anopheles mosquitoes become infected by feeding on humans who have malaria parasites in their blood. Once inside the mosquito, the parasites undergo further development before they can be transmitted to another human through subsequent mosquito bites.

Types of Malaria

There are several types of malaria, each caused by a different species of the Plasmodium parasite. Each type of malaria has its own distinct characteristics, including variations in the clinical presentation, severity and response to malaria treatment. Here are the main types of malaria:

• Plasmodium Falciparum: This is the most severe form of malaria and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It is prevalent in Africa and can also be found in other parts of the world.

• Plasmodium Vivax: This type of malaria is less severe but can cause relapses if not treated effectively. It is widely distributed across countries in Asia and South America.

• Plasmodium Malariae: This type typically causes milder malaria symptoms than Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. It is found in various regions around the world.

• Plasmodium Knowlesi: This type of malaria was previously thought to only infect monkeys, but it can also affect humans. It is mainly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia.

• Plasmodium Ovale: This type of malaria is relatively rare and less severe than Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax. It occurs mainly in West Africa and some parts of Asia.

It's important to note that the symptoms of all types of malaria may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and nausea.

Malaria Treatment

There are several effective antimalarial drugs and medications available that can help in treating and managing the malaria.

Antimalarial Drugs and Medications

• Chloroquine: This is one of the most commonly used drugs for malaria treatment. It works by interfering with the malaria parasite's ability to break down and utilise haemoglobin.

• Doxycycline: This medication is often used as a preventive measure for individuals travelling to areas with a high risk of malaria transmission. It is also used in combination with other antimalarial drugs for treatment.

• Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs): ACTs are currently the most effective medications for treating uncomplicated malaria. They combine artemisinin derivatives with other antimalarial drugs to enhance their efficacy.

• Mefloquine: This medication is commonly used for both prevention and treatment of malaria. It works by interfering with the parasite's ability to multiply within red blood cells.

• Artesunate: This drug is often used in severe cases of malaria. It acts rapidly against the parasite and reduces mortality rates significantly.

Risk Factors of Malaria

By understanding the potential risk factors associated with malaria and taking necessary precautions, one can reduce their chances of contracting the disease.

Potential Risk Factors associated with Malaria

• Geographic Location: Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

• Lack of Immunity: Individuals living in areas with high malaria transmission develop partial immunity over time. People from non-endemic areas or those who have not been previously exposed to malaria are more susceptible to severe infections.

• Age: Young children under the age of 5 and pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from malaria. Their immune systems may not be fully developed or may be compromised due to pregnancy, making them more vulnerable.

• Occupation and Outdoor Activities: Certain occupations, such as forestry, farming and military service, involve spending significant time outdoors in mosquito-infested areas. Outdoor recreational activities like camping, hiking or fishing also increase exposure to mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite.

Tips to Minimise Malaria Risks and Complications

• Antimalarial Medications: Travellers to endemic areas should consult doctors for appropriate antimalarial medications, which can reduce the risk of infection.

• Mosquito Repellent: Using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin or other recommended ingredients can deter mosquito bites.

• Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks, especially during peak mosquito activity hours, can minimise skin exposure.

• Bed Nets: Sleeping under bed nets provides a physical barrier against mosquito bites, particularly effective for young children.

• Environmental Measures: Community-based efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites, such as draining stagnant water and using larvicides, can decrease mosquito populations.

• Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt diagnosis and malaria treatment, especially in high-risk groups, can prevent the progression to severe disease.

Preventive Measures for Malaria

Although malaria remains a significant global health challenge, there are several preventive measures one can take to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Cover the Skin

One of the most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria is by covering the skin. When venturing outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Additionally, wearing light-coloured clothing can help deter mosquitoes, as they are attracted to dark colours.

Use Mosquito Net While Sleeping

Using a mosquito net while sleeping can create a physical barrier from disease-carrying mosquitoes. Make sure the net is properly tucked in under the mattress or sleeping mat to prevent any gaps. It's also important to ensure that the net is free from holes that may allow mosquitoes to enter. When travelling to an area with a high risk of malaria, consider investing in a pre-treated mosquito net for added protection.

Use Window Screens

Keeping mosquitoes out of the living spaces is crucial in preventing malaria. Install window screens on the doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home or workplace. Make sure the screens are intact and free from any tears or openings that may allow mosquitoes to bypass them.

Apply Insect Repellent to The Skin

Applying insect repellent to exposed skin is an effective way to ward off mosquitoes and reduce the chances of getting bitten. Apply the repellent according to the instructions on the label and reapply as needed, especially if one is sweating or spending extended periods outdoors.

Vaccines

Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine that provides complete protection against malaria. However, there are ongoing research and development efforts to create an effective vaccine. Several methods are used in developing malaria vaccines and identifying new Plasmodium antigens, such as array technology, immunoinformatics, PCR deep sequencing technology and whole-proteome screening.

In some cases, travellers to high-risk areas may be advised to take antimalarial medications as a preventive measure. It's important to consult a doctor or a travel medicine specialist to determine the most appropriate preventive measures for the specific situation.

Diagnosis of Malaria

The diagnosis of malaria relies on understanding the complex malaria life cycle. The early and accurate diagnosis of malaria plays a critical role in preventing severe complications and reducing transmission rates.

To confirm a diagnosis of malaria, doctors may use various diagnostic malaria testing, including:

• Blood Smear: This malaria testing involves examining a blood sample under a microscope to detect the presence of malaria parasites.

• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): These are simple and quick malaria tests that can provide results within 15 minutes. RDTs detect specific proteins produced by malaria parasites in the blood.

If someone experiences any malaria symptoms or has recently travelled to a region where malaria is prevalent, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Remember to inform the doctor about the travel history for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, malaria continues to have a significant global impact, affecting millions of people every year. However, progress in malaria control has been made, with increased awareness and prevention efforts leading to a decline in cases and deaths. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of malaria symptoms, the malaria life cycle and the causes of malaria. 

By understanding the disease and taking preventive measures such as using bed nets, insect repellents and seeking timely medical care, people can collectively work towards reducing the burden of malaria and ultimately eradicating it.