Malaria: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is Malaria?
- Causes of Malaria
- Types of Malaria
- Risk Factors
- Malaria Symptoms
- Diagnosing Malaria
- How to Treat Malaria?
- Malaria Complications
- How to Prevent Malaria?
- When to Seek Medical Help
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasites.
It is commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If untreated, malaria can lead to serious health complications such as seizures, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.
Causes of Malaria
Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Among the various malaria-causing parasites, P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most threatening.
Once inside the human body, the parasite travels to the liver, where it multiplies before attacking red blood cells. This cycle causes the cells to rupture, leading to the typical symptoms of malaria.
Malaria is not spread directly from person to person but can be transmitted through:
- Mother to unborn child during pregnancy.
- Shared use of needles or syringes.
- Blood transfusions.
- Organ transplants.
Types of Malaria
There are five types of Malaria, including:
1. Plasmodium vivax (Pv)
The most widespread type globally. Though not typically fatal, it can significantly weaken the immune system. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
2. Plasmodium ovale (Po)
Rare and mostly found in parts of Africa. Symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Joint and body aches
- Recurring illness due to the parasite’s ability to remain dormant in the liver
3. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)
Common in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. Known as tropical malaria, this is the most severe form. Symptoms include:
- Nausea, fatigue, and headache
- Muscle pain and joint pain
- Enlarged spleen
- Confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma
4. Plasmodium malariae (Pm)
A rare form of malaria found in Asia, Africa, and South America. Symptoms are usually persistent fever and chills.
5. Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk)
A zoonotic form of malaria transmitted from macaques to humans in Southeast Asia. It can rapidly progress into a severe illness.
Risk Factors
Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical climates where the Anopheles mosquito thrives, including:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- South and Southeast Asia
- Central and South America
- Caribbean islands like Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- Oceania
- Eastern Europe
Certain groups are at higher risk of complications:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
Malaria Symptoms
Malaria symptoms typically appear within a few weeks of infection, though some parasites can remain dormant for up to a year. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- General discomfort
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
- Cough
Some patients experience malaria attacks in cycles: chills → high fever → sweating → return to normal temperature.
Diagnosing Malaria
Diagnosis typically involves the following steps:
- Medical Interview: To gather health history, recent travel to malaria-endemic areas, and current symptoms.
- Physical Examination: To check for visible signs like fever or jaundice.
- Laboratory Tests, including:
How to Treat Malaria?
Malaria can be cured with the right medications. The treatment depends on:
- The type of parasite
- The region of infection
- Age and pregnancy status
- Severity of the disease
Common antimalarial treatments include:
- Chloroquine phosphated: Effective where the parasite is not resistant.
- Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs): The most recommended treatment for chloroquine-resistant strains. Examples include:
- Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem)
- Artesunate-mefloquine
- Other medications:
- Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
- Quinine sulfate with doxycycline
- Primaquine phosphate
Malaria Complications
Malaria can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated early:
- Severe anemia due to destruction of red blood cells.
- Cerebral malaria, swelling of the brain, seizures, coma.
- Respiratory distress caused by fluid in the lungs.
- Organ failure such as kidney, liver, or spleen rupture.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Neurological issues, including seizures, confusion, or paralysis.
Some types of malaria may relapse due to dormant liver parasites.
How to Prevent Malaria?
Prevention is key. If you live in or are traveling to malaria-prone areas, take these steps:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Use insect repellent (DEET or permethrin-based)
- Sleep under mosquito nets, ideally treated with insecticide
- Keep windows and doors screened or closed
If you’re traveling to an endemic region, consult your doctor in advance. You may be prescribed preventive medication before, during, and after your trip.
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References:
National Health Service. Accessed in 2025. Malaria.
Verywell Health. Accessed in 2025. Causes and Risk Factors of Malaria.
Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Malaria.
PharmEasy. Accessed in 2025. Malaria: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment.
FAQs
1. Can malaria be completely cured?
Yes, with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, malaria can be fully cured. However, some types may relapse.
2. Who is most at risk for malaria?
People living in or visiting endemic regions, pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk.
3. Is there a vaccine for malaria?
Yes. RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) is the first malaria vaccine approved and is being used in several countries, especially for children.
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