Malaria: 7 Critical Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Tips
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. It spreads to humans mainly through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria is common in several tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of India. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can become life-threatening.
Malaria is an infection spread through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.
The parasite then enters the liver, matures there and its matured form then starts attacking the red blood cells of the body. Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open. The parasites continue to infect red blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in cycles that last two to three days at a time. 
A look at public statistics!!
As per World Health Organization
95% of India’s population lives in malaria endemic areas
India accounts for 75% of all Malaria cases in South East Asia
What Are the Common Symptoms of Malaria?
Malaria symptoms may appear around 7–30 days after an infected mosquito bite, although the timing varies depending on the parasite species. Some types can cause symptoms much later.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever, which may come and go
- Chills and shivering
- Sweating
- Headache
- Muscle and body aches
- Tiredness and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sometimes diarrhoea
These symptoms can resemble other illnesses, including dengue and influenza. Therefore, symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria. A healthcare professional may recommend a blood test to identify the infection.
High Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Anemia
Chills
Sweating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Muscle Pain
Fatigue
How Does Malaria Spread?
Malaria spreads mainly when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person and transmits the parasites into the bloodstream. The parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and then infect red blood cells.
In rare cases, malaria can also spread through infected blood, such as through blood transfusions or contaminated needles. It does not usually spread through everyday contact, sharing food, or sitting near an infected person.
How is malaria diagnosed?
Malaria diagnosis usually involves examining a blood sample using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test. Early testing is important because malaria can progress quickly, particularly infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum. If symptoms continue despite an initial negative test, a healthcare professional may recommend further testing.
Your doctor would clinically uspect malaria based
on your recent history along with your signs and
syptoms.
A final diagnosis of malaria is possible only through
specific lab tests.
How is malaria treated?
Your doctor would treat malaria with the help of anti malarial drugs. These drugs act by suppressing the malarial parasite in the blood and preventing its growth
In addition, your doctor may also add medicines for controlling your fever and other symptoms.
What are the ways to prevent malaria?
Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin, particularly at dusk and overnight. Mosquito nets, especially those impregnated with insecticide are very helpful, particularly in high-risk areas. Air conditioning and mesh protection at windows may help to prevent insects from entering a bedroom at night.
If you suspect malaria, reach out to your doctor immediately for help. If you are about to visit a high risk area, also consult your doctor to take the necessary precautions
If infection with malaria is suspected, a blood test to confirm the presence and type of malaria is necessary as soon as possible so that threatment can be started right away.
