Overview

The onset of monsoon can lead to an increase in malaria cases. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The breeding of mosquitoes is facilitated by stagnant water, which is common during the rainy season. The warm and humid conditions of the monsoon create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive. It is crucial to take preventive measures, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring proper drainage, to reduce the risk of malaria transmission during this time. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital in managing malaria cases effectively.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once the parasites enter the bloodstream, they travel to the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to cycles of fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, malaria can result in severe complications and even death. Effective prevention measures, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are crucial in combating malaria.

Causes of Malaria

Mentioned below are some of the malaria causes that help to identify the root issue and allow the doctor to decide on the proper treatment:

- Spread of Infection- The infection of malaria is spread by Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito gets infected when it gets in contact with an infected person's blood and then transmits the same illness to another healthy person by biting the individual. It is the easiest method to spread the infection-causing disease. Hence, staying protected from the condition is to avoid mosquito bites. It can be done with the help of mosquito nets and avoid areas filled with such types of mosquitoes.
- Sharing Medical Accessories- Malaria damages the red blood cells and spreads the infection in the whole body. Hence, the infection-causing disease can quickly spread through sharing products such as needles and syringes, organ transplantation, and blood transfusion. It is always advised to perform the mentioned activities carefully to avoid spreading such harmful infections.
- Mother to Unborn Child- Infection causing malaria also spreads from a mother to an unborn child. The issue can be observed during or before the delivery. The condition is termed as 'Congenital Malaria.'

Symptoms of Malaria

Mentioned below are the symptoms of malaria that help to identify the disease in its initial stages and begin the treatment at the right time:

- High Fever- An individual suffering from malaria faces recurring fever accompanied by chills. It happens due to rupturing RBCs and releasing a toxic substance known as hemozoin. The individual feels chilling cold regardless of the temperature outside. If the symptoms are ignored, then it may also lead to fatal situations.
- Brain Damage- It is one of the rare but possible symptoms of malaria. It happens when the parasite-filled blood cells block the way of healthy blood cells leading to excess CSF in the ventricles. The condition is termed cerebral malaria. If not treated and recognised on time, the state may lead to severe situations such as the death of the affected patient.
- Fatigue- The malaria parasites damage the RBCs that carry oxygen to the cells. Hence, the lack of oxygen to the cells makes the affected individual feel weak and tired, with muscle pain and low energy to perform routine tasks. The patient may also feel drowsy and faint if proper treatment is not provided at the right time.
- Kidney Failure- One of the most significant and dreadful symptoms of malaria is kidney failure. It can happen due to severe falciparum malaria damaging the kidneys, liver, and brain in extreme conditions. Hence, the form of malaria can paralyse the patient entirely or can also cause the death of the affected.
- Muscle and Joint Pain- Aches and pain in the muscles and joints, often affecting the back and limbs.
- Nausea and Vomiting- Feeling of nausea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.
- Anaemia- In some cases, malaria can cause anaemia, leading to fatigue and pale skin.
- Cognitive Symptoms- Malaria can cause confusion, seizures, or impaired consciousness in severe cases.
- Abdominal Pain- Discomfort or pain in the abdominal area, sometimes accompanied by an enlarged spleen or liver.

Tips to Prevent Malaria

- Medications- Medicines such as Intermittent preventive treatment for infants (IPTi), Mass drug administration (MDA), Intermittent Preventive Treatment for pregnant women (IPTp), and Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) are helpful to lower the symptoms of the disease and keep the patient protected from getting affected from other health-damaging symptoms.
- Vaccine- Currently, no licensed vaccine is available that provides complete protection against malaria. However, there is a vaccine called RTS, S/AS01 (brand name Mosquirix), that has been approved for use in some countries. It is primarily recommended for young children in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission.
- Other Measures- Preventive measures such as applying mosquito repellent creams, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and sleeping on insecticide-treated bed nets, can help lower the spread of infection and keep an individual safe from getting affected.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Malaria symptoms and causes help to identify the disease at the right time and also help to identify the root cause of the issue. The condition can be treated with the help of medications and vaccinations.

FAQs

Q. What is malaria? A. It is a medical infection spread by mosquitoes biting, leading to multiple other health issues.

Q. What are the symptoms of malaria? A. Fever, Chills and Rigors, Weakness, Fatigue, Dark Coloured urine, seizures, Abdominal pain and Jaundices are some causes of the disease.

Q. What are the causes of malaria? A. Malaria is caused due to the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. Additionally, sharing contaminated needles, syringes or transfusing blood can also cause malaria. Finally, malaria can transmit from the mother to an unborn child. Approved and Published by Dr Kiran V H