Malaria  causes, symptoms and its treatment

Half of the world’s population is at risk of Malaria, and Pakistan, a country where this disease is highly prevalent, is not exempt. Malaria is not caused by the bite of just any mosquito but specifically by the bite of a particular type of female mosquito known as the Anopheles mosquito. The disease is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium in medical terms.

There are five types of Plasmodium parasites that mosquitoes can carry, which feed on human blood. These types include Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Among these, Plasmodium vivax is the most common, while Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and is more prevalent in Africa.

Malaria: Causes

Malaria affects nearly half of the world’s population, and Pakistan is one of the countries where this disease is highly prevalent. Just any mosquito does not cause it, but the bite of a specific type of female mosquito known as the Anopheles mosquito. The disease is caused by a parasite medically known as Plasmodium.

Five types of Plasmodium parasites feed on human blood: Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Among these, Plasmodium vivax is the most common, while Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and is more prevalent in Africa.

Plasmodium falciparum can attack the human brain and is considered a leading cause of death in children. In contrast, Plasmodium vivax more commonly affects adults. Once Plasmodium vivax enters the body, it can remain dormant and reactivate later, causing repeated malaria episodes. Currently, both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are widespread in Pakistan.

It is crucial to understand that Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest form of the disease. It can block blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply to vital organs, such as the brain, which can lead to kidney failure and the production of dark-colored urine.

If we examine the life cycle of Plasmodium, the parasite travels from the mosquito’s stomach to its mouthparts. When the infected mosquito bites a human, the parasite enters the bloodstream, attacks red blood cells, and begins to multiply.

Malaria can also be passed from mother to child through the placenta, which is known as congenital Malaria.

Common symptoms of Malaria

• Fever with chills
• Influenza-like symptoms
• Recurrent fever every 48 hours
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Jaundice

Three Stages of Malaria Fever

Cold Stage

The patient experiences chills, headache, nausea, lethargy, and fatigue. A sudden rise in body temperature follows this.

Hot Stage

As the chills subside, the fever increases. The patient may also experience intense headaches and nausea.

Sweating Stage

After a few hours, the fever begins to drop, and profuse sweating occurs. Pain in the head and body starts to subside. The patient often sleeps well and feels better upon waking.

Complications of Malaria

Since the red blood cells are directly attacked and destroyed by the parasite, this leads to severe jaundice and anemia. In severe cases, Malaria can damage the liver and kidneys and may even result in coma. The parasite can remain dormant in the liver and reactivate, leading to a relapse. Therefore, timely, accurate, and complete treatment is critical.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides globally accepted guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and eradication of Malaria. In case of fever, a blood test should always be conducted before starting treatment.

Prevention Tips

• Eliminate stagnant water around your home, as it can become a breeding site for mosquitoes.
• Cover all water storage containers such as buckets, drums, vases, and pots.
• Use mosquito nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Apply mosquito repellent regularly, especially in the evenings and at night.
• Take special precautions between sunset and sunrise, when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.