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Malaria

What is Malaria?

  • Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites.
  • It spreads mainly through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Common in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • The disease is preventable and curable with proper treatment.
  • ~282 million cases worldwide in 2024.
  • About 610,000 deaths globally.
  • Majority of deaths occur in African countries, especially among children under 5 years.

Causes of Malaria

  • Caused by single-celled parasites of the Plasmodium genus.
  • Transmission occurs when: 
    • An infected mosquito bites a human.
  • Parasites enter the bloodstream → travel to the liver → infect red blood cells.

Symptoms of Malaria

  • Fever
  • Chills and sweating cycles
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort

Complications of Malaria

  • Cerebral malaria (brain involvement)
  • Severe anemia
  • Organ failure (kidney or liver)
  • Breathing problems
  • Death in severe cases 

Treatment of Malaria

  • Requires antimalarial medicines.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment prevent severe disease and death.
  • Artemisinin-based combination therapy is commonly used for severe malaria.
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