Every year, March 25 is observed as World Malaria Day to recognise the global efforts to control malaria.
India in particular, malaria still poses a serious threat to public health, despite considerable improvements in recent years. To save yourself and your loved ones against this preventable disease, it is essential to comprehend the risk factors and put preventive measures in place.
Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. It’s generally transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The transmission cycle of malaria begins when an infected mosquito feeds on a person. During this, the mosquito injects saliva containing the malaria parasites into the bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver, where they undergo multiplication and maturation. After they are developed, the parasites are released back into the bloodstream, where they infect red blood cells, leading to the typical symptoms of malaria. Malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or the sharing of needles contaminated with infected blood. It can also be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the fetus. Plasmodium parasites are the cause of malaria, an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes. Via contaminated blood feeds, the Anopheles mosquito spreads the parasite to people. Because these mosquitoes breed in stagnant water bodies, malaria transmission is more common in locations with poor drainage, especially during the monsoon season (June to September).
Dr. P. Venkata Krishnan, senior consultant, internal medicine at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram explains, “The symptoms of malaria include fevers, chills, headaches, fatigue, sweating, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, cough, and jaundice. Fever happening because of malaria typically comes in cycles, with the temperature spiking every few days. The chills from malaria can be severe and shaking. When it comes to headaches, they are typically accompanied by fevers and chills. Fatigue persisting for a long time may indicate malaria. Profuse sweating that wets the clothes may be a sign of malaria. Abdominal pain, if caused by malaria, is generally accompanied by other gastronomic issues. Severe muscle and joint pain are also indicative of malaria. If the cough is very severe, it might indicate malaria. Lastly, jaundice causing yellowing of the skin is an indication of malaria.”
Primary methods for preventing malaria, especially in high-risk areas, include taking steps like the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying with insecticides, and chemoprophylaxis for travellers to endemic areas. Emphasis must be laid on the immediate diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases to prevent severe illness and death. In India, who is most vulnerable to malaria?
Travellers: People travelling to or relocating to locations where malaria is endemic, especially those that are mountainous, forested, or tribal belts, are at high risk.
Individuals who live close to bodies of stagnant water: In peri-urban and rural regions, mosquitoes that thrive in puddles, ponds, or badly maintained drainage systems constitute a serious menace.
People with impaired immune systems: Those with HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and children under five are particularly vulnerable to severe malaria.
Communities without adequate preventative measures and sanitation.