Malaria

Reviewed by , providing nurse training at Yale New Haven Health-Bridgeport Hospital since 2022. Previously in healthcare and education at Griffin Hospital, St. Vincent's College of Nursing and Sacred Heart University Medical Center.

Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The symptoms of this illness include high fevers and chills, which can lead to severe sickness. Although it is not common in colder climates, malaria is still a major problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 290 million people being affected annually and over 400,000 deaths occurring.

Global health initiatives are working to combat malaria by distributing preventive medications and insecticide-treated bed nets to protect people from mosquito bites. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends vaccination against malaria for those living in high-risk regions.

If you are traveling to an area that is known to have malaria, there are several measures that you can take to reduce your risk of infection. These include wearing appropriate clothing, using insecticides, and sleeping under bed nets. You can also take preemptive medication before, during, and after your trip to these areas.

Causes

When a mosquito bites a person who has malaria, it gets infected with the parasite. Later, when the mosquito bites another person, it transfers the parasite into that person’s bloodstream, allowing it to multiply and spread. There are up to five types of malarial parasites that can infect humans.

In some cases, women who are pregnant and have malaria can pass the disease to their offspring before or during childbirth. Although possible, it is uncommon to transmit malarial parasites through blood transfusions, organ donations, or hypodermic needles.

Transmission

Malaria is typically contracted when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person. These mosquitoes can only transmit malaria if they have previously bitten a person who is already infected. During a blood meal, the mosquito ingests a small amount of blood containing microscopic malarial parasites from an infected individual. Approximately seven days later, when the same mosquito feeds again, these parasites mix with its saliva and are transmitted to the next person it bites.

While the malarial parasite primarily resides in the red blood cells of an infected individual, it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. Additionally, malaria can be passed from a mother to her child before or during childbirth, a condition known as congenital malaria.

Signs and symptoms

Following are the common signs and symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • A general feeling of discomfort
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fatigue

Some people with malaria may experience multiple episodes of the disease. The attack often begins with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, sweating, and then a return to normal body temperature. The signs and symptoms of malaria usually appear within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected female mosquito. However, some types of malaria parasites can remain dormant in the human body for a longer period of time. Understanding this timeline can help you remain informed and prepared in case you experience any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis

When you visit your doctor, they will examine you and ask about your symptoms and travel history. It is important to be honest and share information about the places you have visited recently so that your doctor can accurately diagnose your risk.

Your doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory to check for malarial parasites. This blood test will show if you have malaria and also identify the type of parasite that is causing your symptoms. With this information, your doctor can provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with malaria, it is important to start your treatment immediately. However, it is worth noting that some parasites are resistant to certain malaria drugs. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication to kill the parasites. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a combination of drugs. The type of parasite found in your blood will determine the type of medication and the duration of its use.

Antimalaria medications can include:

  • Mefloquine
  • Quinine
  • Primaquine
  • Artemisinin drugs (artemether and artesunate)
  • Chloroquine (Some parasites are resistant to this medication)
  • Atovaquine (Mepron).
  • Doxycycline

The above mentioned medications will help you to get rid of your malarial fever.

Prevention

It is essential to note that if you experience symptoms of malaria despite taking the medication, you should not continue using it.

Additionally, to minimize the risk of mosquito bites, you can take the following precautions:

  • Use mosquito repellent with DEET on exposed skin
  • Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering
  • Use mosquito netting on beds
  • Wear clothing that covers your exposed skin, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts
  • Apply insect repellents, such as permethrin, to clothing, tents, sleeping bags, mosquito nets, and other fabrics.
  • By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.

Complications

Malaria is a deadly disease, particularly when caused by the plasmodium species that are prevalent in African countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 94% of malaria-related deaths occur in Africa, with children under the age of five being the most vulnerable. Deaths caused by malaria are typically associated with one or more serious complications, including:

  • Cerebral malaria: This condition arises when blood vessels in the brain are obstructed by parasite-laden blood cells, resulting in brain swelling or damage. Symptoms may include seizures and coma.
  • Breathing difficulties: Accumulation of fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, can lead to respiratory issues.
  • Organ failure: Malaria can inflict damage on vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, potentially culminating in organ failure, which can prove fatal.
  • Anemia: Malaria-induced depletion of red blood cells can impair the body’s ability to supply oxygen to its tissues.
  • Low blood sugar: Severe cases of malaria, often treated with medications like quinine, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can progress to coma or death if left untreated.

Works cited

Reviewed by , providing nurse training at Yale New Haven Health-Bridgeport Hospital since 2022. Previously in healthcare and education at Griffin Hospital, St. Vincent's College of Nursing and Sacred Heart University Medical Center.

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This page was last updated on Apr 23, 2024. of this page.