Malaria

1. What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells.

Severity:

If untreated, malaria can progress rapidly, causing organ failure, anemia, brain complications (cerebral malaria), or even death. The Plasmodium falciparum species causes the most severe infections.

Historical Background:

Malaria has existed for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian texts mention fever illnesses resembling malaria. The word “malaria” comes from the Italian term “mal aria”, meaning “bad air,” as people once believed swamp air caused the disease.

In 1880, Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran, a French physician, discovered the Plasmodium parasite, confirming its biological cause. Later, Ronald Ross identified that mosquitoes transmit malaria — a finding that earned him the Nobel Prize in 1902.

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2. Pre and Post Symptoms of Malaria

Pre-symptoms (Initial phase):

• Mild fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Chills or shivering

Post-symptoms (Active infection phase):

• High fever (comes and goes in cycles)

• Sweating followed by chills

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Anemia and weakness

• Enlarged spleen or liver (in prolonged cases)

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3. How Malaria is Caused

Malaria spreads when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person and injects Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream. The parasites first infect the liver, multiply, and later enter red blood cells, destroying them and causing the classic fever cycles.

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4. External and Internal Triggers

External factors:

• Warm, humid environments (ideal for mosquito breeding)

• Stagnant water or poor sanitation

• Lack of mosquito control measures

Internal factors:

• Weak immune system

• Malnutrition

• Previous exposure or lack of immunity in certain regions

While these factors don’t cause malaria directly, they can increase the risk or severity of infection.

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5. How to Identify a Malaria-Affected Person (as a Layman)

• Recurring high fever with chills and sweating

• Pale skin due to anemia

• Weakness, fatigue, or dizziness

• Shivering episodes at the same time daily

• Loss of appetite or nausea

If these symptoms persist, immediate medical consultation is essential.

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6. Medical Tests for Malaria

Malaria can be diagnosed through blood tests, which confirm the presence of Plasmodium parasites.

Common diagnostic methods:

• Blood smear test: A drop of blood is examined under a microscope for parasites.

• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Detect malaria antigens within 15–20 minutes.

Normal values:

A healthy blood sample should show no Plasmodium parasites. The presence of parasites in red blood cells confirms malaria.

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7. Treatment for Malaria

Treatment depends on the parasite species and disease severity.

Common treatments:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT): The most effective for Plasmodium falciparum.

• Chloroquine: Used for P. vivax and P. ovale in areas with low resistance.

• Primaquine: Prevents relapse by targeting parasites in the liver.

• Quinine or Mefloquine: Used in severe or resistant cases.

Medical supervision is essential to prevent complications.

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8. Home and Natural Remedies

(Use only as supportive care, not a substitute for medical treatment.)

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to reduce fever and prevent dehydration.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Helps lower mild fever and boost immunity.

• Ginger and Honey: Reduces nausea and improves digestion.

• Cinnamon water: Has anti-inflammatory effects that may ease symptoms.

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9. Diet for Malaria Recovery

Recommended foods:

• Fresh fruits (oranges, papaya, apples)

• Leafy greens and vegetables

• High-protein foods (eggs, lentils, fish)

• Soups, coconut water, and herbal teas

Foods to avoid:

• Oily, spicy, or fried foods

• Caffeine and sugary drinks

• Processed or junk food

A light, nutrient-rich diet helps regain strength and repair blood loss.

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10. Medicines Commonly Used

• Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem)

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone)

• Chloroquine phosphate

• Quinine sulfate

• Primaquine phosphate

Only use these medicines under a doctor’s prescription, as dosage depends on age, weight, and infection type.

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🩺 Final Note

Malaria is preventable and curable with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Use mosquito nets, repellents, and ensure clean surroundings to reduce the risk.

Early detection saves lives — awareness is the strongest protection.