Malaria specialist  Doctor in Mumbai Malaria specialist  Doctor in Marine lines Malaria specialist  Doctor in Charni Road Malaria specialist  Doctor in grant road Malaria specialist  Doctor in Mahalaxmi Malaria specialist  Doctor in Lower Parel Malaria specialist  Doctor in Prabhadevi Malaria specialist  Doctor in Mumbai Central Malaria specialist  Doctor in Dadar Malaria specialist  Doctor in bandra Malaria specialist  Doctor in andheri Malaria specialist  Doctor in borivali Malaria specialist  Doctor in dahisar Malaria specialist  Doctor in Mira Road Malaria specialist  Doctor in Bhayandar Malaria specialist  Doctor in Vasai Malaria specialist  Doctor in Nallasopara Malaria specialist  Doctor in Virar Malaria remains one of the world’s most devastating infectious diseases, despite decades of global control efforts. It is a life-threatening illness caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2023, there were approximately 249 million cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in 608, 000 deaths, mostly among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Effective control of malaria requires a clear understanding of how it spreads, its clinical features, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and robust prevention strategies. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of these key aspects. Transmission of Malaria: Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. When a mosquito bites an infected individual, it ingests blood containing malaria parasites (usually gametocytes). The parasites undergo development in the mosquito’s midgut and migrate to its salivary glands. When the infected mosquito bites another person, it injects sporozoites into the bloodstream, which quickly migrate to the liver. Here they mature and multiply. After a period of 7 to 30 days, the parasites re-enter the bloodstream, infect red blood cells, and initiate the clinical phase of malaria. Less common transmission modes: 1. Congenital malaria (mother to fetus) 2. Blood transfusion from an infected donor 3. Organ transplantation 4. Needle-sharing among intravenous drug users Causative parasites: There are five known Plasmodium species that cause malaria in humans: 1. P. falciparum (most severe and deadly) 2. P. vivax (relapsing, widely distributed) 3. P. ovale (relapsing, less common) 4. P. malariae (chronic, less severe) 5. P. knowlesi (zoonotic, reported in Southeast Asia) Symptoms of Malaria: Malaria symptoms typically appear 10–15 days after the infective mosquito bite. Early recognition is crucial as delayed treatment, especially for P. falciparum, can lead to severe complications and death. Common symptoms: 1. Fever (often cyclical — every 48 or 72 hours, depending on species) 2. Chills and rigors 3. Headache 4. Sweats 5. Fatigue 6. Muscle aches 7. Nausea and vomiting Other possible symptoms: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Diarrhea 3. Cough 4. Anemia 5. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Severe malaria features (medical emergency): 1. Altered mental status / coma (cerebral malaria) 2. Severe anemia 3. Respiratory distress 4. Acute kidney injury 5. Bleeding / coagulation abnormalities 6. Shock Pregnant women, children under 5, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe malaria. Diagnosis of Malaria: Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and to prevent complications. Microscopic examination: 1. Thick and thin blood smears stained with Giemsa remain the gold standard. 2. Thick smears are used for detecting the presence of parasites. 3. Thin smears help identify the specific species of Plasmodium. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): 1. Detect parasite antigens in blood using a lateral flow immunoassay. 2. Useful in settings where microscopy is unavailable. 3. Results in 15–30 minutes. 4. Cannot quantify parasitemia or always identify species. Molecular methods: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can detect low-level parasitemia and mixed infections. Mainly used in research and reference laboratories. Serology: 1. Detects antibodies to malaria parasites. 2. Not useful for diagnosing acute infections but helpful in epidemiological studies. Important note: Malaria is a medical emergency — in febrile travelers returning from endemic regions, malaria must always be ruled out urgently. Treatment of Malaria: Treatment depends on the infecting species, disease severity, patient’s age, pregnancy status, and drug resistance patterns in the region. Treatment of uncomplicated malaria: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the first-line treatment for P. falciparum: Artemether-lumefantrine Artesunate-amodiaquine Artesunate-mefloquine Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine For P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae, ACT is also used, followed by primaquine to eliminate liver hypnozoites and prevent relapses. Treatment of severe malaria: Intravenous artesunate is the treatment of choice. If unavailable, IV quinine or quinidine may be used. Supportive care includes: 1. Fluid and electrolyte management 2. Blood transfusion if required 3. Management of complications (renal failure, seizures, etc.) Special populations: Pregnant women: quinine + clindamycin (first trimester) or ACT (second and third trimesters). Children: weight-based dosing of ACT. Resistance is a major challenge — resistance to chloroquine and artemisinin has emerged in parts of Southeast Asia, necessitating surveillance and careful drug selection. Prevention of Malaria: Prevention is crucial, especially in endemic regions and for travelers. Vector control: 1. Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs): One of the most effective tools to reduce malaria transmission. 2. Indoor residual spraying (IRS): Periodic application of insecticides to walls inside homes. 3. Environmental measures: Larval source management, clearing breeding sites. Personal protection: Wearing long-sleeved clothing after sunset. Applying insect repellents (DEET, picaridin). Using screened windows and doors. Chemoprophylaxis (for travelers to endemic areas): Atovaquone-proguanil Doxycycline Mefloquine Choice depends on destination, drug tolerance, and individual health factors. Vaccination: The RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine has been approved for children in certain high-burden African countries. Ongoing research is underway for more effective vaccines. Public health strategies: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases to reduce the reservoir of infection. Surveillance and rapid response to outbreaks. Health education and community participation. Conclusion: Malaria continues to pose a significant global health burden, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. However, with early diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust preventive measures, it is a disease that can be controlled — and eventually eliminated. Healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion for malaria, especially in febrile patients returning from endemic areas. Equally, educating communities, ensuring vector control, and promoting preventive strategies are key to reducing malaria transmission. With coordinated global efforts and advancing scientific innovations such as vaccines and novel treatments, the goal of “zero malaria” is within reach — but sustained vigilance and commitment remain essential. ← Previous Post