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Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a serious global health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Causes of Malaria

Malaria is caused by five types of Plasmodium parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. The disease is not contagious person-to-person but is spread through:

  • Mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes

  • Blood transfusions from an infected person

  • Sharing needles or syringes

  • From mother to fetus during pregnancy (congenital malaria)

Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria symptoms typically appear 10–15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Common signs include:

  • High fever

  • Chills and sweating

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Anemia and jaundice (in severe cases)

If untreated, malaria can lead to complications such as kidney failure, seizures, coma, or death.

Who is Most at Risk?

People most vulnerable to malaria include:

  • Children under 5 years old

  • Pregnant women

  • Travelers from non-endemic areas

  • People with weakened immune systems

  • Residents of poverty-stricken or rural areas without access to health care

How to Prevent Malaria

Malaria prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and using prophylactic medication. Here are key tips:

1. Use Mosquito Nets

  • Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)

  • Replace or retreat nets regularly

2. Apply Insect Repellents

  • Use DEET-based repellents on skin and clothing

  • Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk

3. Wear Protective Clothing

  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants can reduce skin exposure

4. Eliminate Breeding Grounds

  • Remove stagnant water sources around your home

5. Take Antimalarial Medication

  • Consult a doctor before traveling to malaria-prone regions

  • Take prophylactic drugs as prescribed

Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria

Malaria is diagnosed through:

  • Blood smear microscopy

  • Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)

Treatment depends on the parasite species and severity. Common medications include:

  • Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)

  • Chloroquine

  • Quinine

  • Mefloquine

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to a full recovery.

Malaria and Global Impact

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 240 million cases of malaria were reported globally in 2022, with more than 600,000 deaths—most of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

Efforts to combat malaria include:

  • Widespread distribution of bed nets

  • Indoor spraying with insecticides

  • Development of malaria vaccines like RTS,S/AS01

Final Thoughts

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but it still poses a major threat to global health. By understanding how it spreads and taking preventive steps, you can protect yourself and help reduce its impact worldwide.

Stay informed, stay protected — malaria is beatable.

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