Malaria is a grave and occasionally fatal illness caused by a parasite commonly transmitted through the bite of a specific type of mosquito that feeds on humans. Four distinct malaria parasites infect humans:
Plasmodium Falciparum, P. Vivax, P. Ovale, and P. Malaria. P. Falciparum poses the greatest risk of severe infections and, if left untreated, may lead to fatal outcomes. This parasite is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, which carries the Plasmodium parasite. Upon biting a human, the mosquito releases the parasite into the bloodstream. While malaria can be a lethal disease, the onset of illness and fatalities can generally be prevented.
Malaria transmission is bloodborne, meaning it can also occur through organ transplantation or the sharing of needles or syringes.
Clinical diagnosis relies on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination findings. Initial malaria symptoms, including fever, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting, are often nonspecific and can mimic flu-like or common viral infections. Physical findings, such as perspiration, fatigue, and an elevated temperature, are also non-specific.
In severe cases, especially those caused by Plasmodium falciparum, symptoms like confusion, coma, severe anemia, neurologic focal signs, and respiratory difficulties become more pronounced, raising suspicion for malaria. Given the non-specific nature of symptoms, a parasitological test is essential for accurate identification and management. Malaria parasites are detected by examining a drop of the patient’s blood under a microscope, spread out as a “blood smear” on a microscope slide.
Chloroquine was once the preferred treatment, but widespread resistance has rendered it ineffective in many regions. Other antimalarial drugs include quinine sulfbeigate with doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), primaquine phosphate, and mefloquine.
Myths and Misconceptions about Malaria
please contact us
