Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

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 Introduction

Through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, people can contract malaria, a potentially fatal parasitic disease. Malaria is a serious public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas, even though it is preventable and treated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 249 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide in 2022, resulting in more than 600,000 fatalities. To lessen the effects of malaria, it is essential to comprehend its causes, symptoms, prevention, and therapy.

Malaria: What is it?

Plasmodium parasites are the cause of the infectious disease malaria. An infected female Anopheles mosquito, which primarily bites at dusk and dawn, is the vector of transmission. After entering the human body, the parasites infect red blood cells and grow in the liver, resulting in a variety of symptoms and consequences.

Malaria Parasite Types

Humans can contract Plasmodium parasites from five different species:
  • The most dangerous and common parasite in Africa is Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Relapse can be caused by Plasmodium vivax, which is prevalent in Asia and Latin America.
  • Though less prevalent, Plasmodium ovale is comparable to P. vivax.
  • Plasmodium malariae is the causative agent of persistent infections.
  • Southeast Asia is home to Plasmodium knowlesi, which can cause serious illness.

How Does Malaria Spread?

The primary method of malaria transmission is by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. But it can also proliferate by:
  • Transfusion of blood
  • Transplanting organs
  • Sharing syringes or needles
  • Transmission from mother to fetus, or congenital

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria symptoms typically start to show up 10 to 15 days following a mosquito bite. Among the most typical symptoms are:

Initial Signs

  • Chills and fever
  • Sweating
  • A headache
  • Joint and muscle discomfort
  • Vomiting and feeling queasy
  • Weariness

Serious Signs of Complicated Malaria

  • Extreme anemia
  • Distress related to breathing
  • Convulsions
  • Coma
  • Failure of an organ

Childhood and Pregnant Women's Malaria

Pregnant women and children under five are more at risk from malaria:
  • Malaria in children can cause severe anemia, cerebral malaria, and even death.
  • It raises the risk of maternal death, poor birth weight, and stillbirth in expectant mothers.

Identification of Malaria

The secret to successful treatment is early diagnosis. To diagnose malaria, one uses:

1. Test for Microscopic Blood Smears

The malaria parasite is identified by looking at a drop of blood under a microscope.

2. RDTs, or rapid diagnostic tests

Within 15 to 20 minutes, these tests identify malaria antigens in the blood.

3. Molecular Tests (PCR): 

Used to find parasite DNA in research and specialist labs.

Malaria Treatment

The kind of Plasmodium species, the intensity of the illness, and the patient's health all influence how malaria is treated.

1. Frontline treatment for uncomplicated malaria is Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

For instance, artesunate-amodiaquine and arteether-lumefantrine

2. A complete course of oral ACT is administered after intravenous artesunate for severe malaria.

supportive care for problems, such as blood transfusions, oxygen, and water.

3. Primaquine is used to treat relapsing malaria (P. vivax and P. ovale) in order to eradicate dormant liver stages.

Note: To avoid drug resistance, always finish the entire course of medicine.

Malaria Prevention: Best Practices

Malaria prevention includes both personal protection and vector management. Here are some successful preventative techniques:

1. Make use of bed nets treated with insecticides (ITNs)

There is a 70% reduction in mosquito bites when sleeping under long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs).

2. indoor residual spraying

Insecticides are sprayed on walls where mosquitoes congregate using indoor residual spraying, or IRS.

3. Prophylactic Antimalarial

Advised for visitors to regions where malaria is endemic.
Common medications include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, and mefloquine.

4. Steer clear of mosquito bites

Dress in long sleeves.
Use DEET-based insect repellents.
Steer clear of the outdoors from dark until dawn, when biting is most common.

5. Management of the Environment

Drain any standing water.
Boost sanitation and drainage.

Malaria in India: An Increasing Issue

The majority of malaria cases in Southeast Asia are found in India. As stated by the NCVBDC, the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control:
  • Malaria cases in India have significantly decreased in recent years.
  • Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh are among the states with the highest rates of malaria.
  • The goal of initiatives such as "Malaria Mukt Bharat" is to eradicate malaria by 2030.

Malaria Complications

Malaria can result in the following if it is poorly controlled or not treated:
  • Malaria of the brain (brain involvement)
  • ARDS, or acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Failure of the kidneys and liver
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • Death and shock

Homemade Remedies for Malaria (Supportive)

1. Benefits of papaya leaf juice: 

  • known to strengthen immunity and raise platelet counts.
  • To use, crush four to five fresh papaya leaves and squeeze out the juice. Twice a day, consume two tablespoons.
  • Steer clear if you are pregnant or have a papaya allergy.

2. Benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea:

  • Contains eugenol, a naturally occurring antimalarial substance.
  • How to Apply: In a cup of water, bring 10–12 fresh basil leaves to a boil with 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Drink twice a day after straining.

3. Benefits of Cinnamon Water: 

  • May help with digestion during fever and reduce inflammation.
  • How to Apply: In a cup of water, bring two or three cloves and a small cinnamon stick to a boil. Drink after straining once or twice a day.

4. Benefits of Ginger and Honey Tea: 

  • Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey strengthens the immune system.
  • To use, bring a few fresh ginger slices to a boil in water. Once slightly cooled, add 1 tsp honey. Drink two or three times a day.

5. Benefits of Fenugreek Seed Water: 

  • Reduces fever and weariness.
  • Use: Let 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds soak throughout the entire night. In the morning, strain the water and drink it.

6. Benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Juice: 

  • High in vitamin C, it strengthens immunity and aids in the battle against infection.
  • Use: Once daily, mix 20 milliliters of amla juice with warm water.

7. The benefit of orange or Mosambi (sweet lime) juice

  • It keeps you hydrated and helps you replace fluids.
  • How to Use It: Drinking fresh juice twice a day helps keep electrolyte balance stable.

8. Lemon Water with Honey Advantage: 

  • Hydrating and revitalizing, aids in the removal of pollutants.
  • How to Use: Add honey to warm water after mixing the juice of one lemon. Drink without food or liquids.

9. Paste with Neem and Turmeric (External Use)

  • Benefit: May lessen fever-related skin irritation and inflammation.
  • How to Use: For relief, apply a paste made from neem leaves and turmeric on your forehead or joints. Not to be consumed.

In conclusion

Despite being preventable, treatable, and curable, malaria still affects millions of people worldwide. We can work toward a world free of malaria by combining vector control strategies, early detection, efficient treatment, and public education.

Stay aware, take the appropriate safety measures, and get medical attention right away if you experience any symptoms if you reside in or are visiting an area where malaria is endemic.

Location: India

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