On the World Malaria Day, we invite you to reveal the secret of this disease.

Malaria lurks in the depths of the darkness, hiding in the tiny clicks of annoying mosquitoes, but don't let its small size fool you, it can make human lives a living hell.

Malaria is one of the greatest health challenges facing humanity, mainly affecting people in tropical and equatorial regions of the world.

Let's take a closer look at malaria, learn new facts and amazing details, and work together to spread awareness and strengthen efforts to combat this disease, so follow along with us.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is considered a serious disease that is usually transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes infected with Anopheles.

This mosquito carries a small parasite called Plasmodium inside it, and when the mosquito bites you, the parasite is transferred into your blood.

When parasites enter your body, they move to the liver to mature. Then, days later, the mature parasites enter your circulation to infect red blood cells.

Throughout 48 to 72 hours, the parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, causing the infected cells to explode.

The parasites infect red blood cells, causing recurring symptoms every two to three days.

Malaria is common in areas with tropical and subtropical climates, where parasites can survive, and the World Health Organization indicates that there are about 216 million cases of malaria in 91 different countries, and this was in 2016.

In the United States, there are about 1,700 cases of malaria annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most malaria infections occur in people who visit countries where the disease is highly prevalent.

Malaria Symptoms

Malaria usually presents with symptoms including fever, chills, and headache, but it can develop and cause serious, life-threatening complications.

Malaria affects individuals in different ways. Symptoms can be mild or inconspicuous in some people, while others can develop the disease severely.

Doctors classify the symptoms of malaria into two categories: simple malaria and severe malaria.

Simple malaria
Simple malaria presents symptoms to a person without signs of serious infection or disturbance in the functions of vital organs.

In this case, malaria symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms, and may usually last from 6 to 10 hours and return every two days.

However, if it is not treated or if the immune system is weak, the condition may become very severe.

Some strains of the parasite may have a longer course or cause mixed symptoms, such as general symptoms:

• Fever and chills.
• Sweating.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Body aches.
• Weakness.
• Hepatomegaly.
• Mild jaundice can cause a yellow color to appear in the eyes.
• Rapid breathing.
• A general feeling of illness.

In areas where malaria is less common, a doctor may misdiagnose it and think it is influenza rather than malaria.

If a person has recently visited an area where the disease is spreading and has these symptoms, they should talk to a doctor about their trip.

Malaria fever is different from normal fever. It is usually shorter than flu attacks, lasting only 6 to 10 hours.

Instead of the flu coming once, malaria fever returns about every two days.

Malaria fever comes like a wave, starting with chills and shivering, then the temperature increases accompanied by headache and vomiting, after which the patient sweats profusely, and his temperature returns to normal with a feeling of fatigue.

Sometimes, attacks may occur every three days depending on the type of parasite causing the disease.

Severe malaria
Sometimes, malaria can develop and affect vital organs in the body, in which case the parasites may have affected more than 5% of red blood cells.

Symptoms include:

• Severe anemia.
• Finding blood in the urine.
• Changes in blood clotting.
• Unconsciousness.
• Behavior changes.
• Increased acidity of blood and fluids in the body.
• Coma.

Therefore, severe malaria is a serious, life-threatening medical condition.

Malaria Causes

Malaria can occur if you are bitten by a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite. Four types of malaria parasites can infect humans:

1. Plasmodium vivax malaria
It is the most common type and widespread globally, including in India, and causes unpleasant symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.

2. Plasmodium ovale malaria
It is a rare type of malaria that spreads mainly in West Africa. It is considered a dangerous type, and is characterized by its ability to hide in the liver for up to four years before reappearing and attacking red blood cells.

It causes symptoms similar to other types of malaria, such as fever, joint and body pain, and diarrhea.

Therefore, it must be treated with special care because of the possibility of relapse and requires taking medications for a longer period to prevent recurrence.

3. Plasmodium falciparum malaria
It is a severe type of malaria that spreads in certain regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Severe symptoms such as:

• Nausea.
• Fatigue and body aches.
• Splenomegaly.
• Abdominal, muscle, and joint pain.
• Fever.
• Headache and anemia.
• Neurological symptoms.

Travelers to these areas should take preventive medications and the malaria vaccine to avoid contracting this life-threatening disease.

4. Plasmodium malariae
It is a rare type of malaria characterized by symptoms of fever and chills only. It is found in less than 1% of India and is widespread in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.

An infected mother can also transmit the disease to her child at birth, and since malaria is transmitted through blood, it can also be transmitted through organ transplants and blood transfusions.

Malaria Complications 

Malaria can infect anyone, but people living in Africa have a greater risk of infection than others.

Young children, the elderly, and pregnant women have an increased risk of dying from malaria, and people who live in poverty and do not have access to health care are more likely to develop complications from the disease.

Possible complications of malaria include:

• Liver failure, which may lead to jaundice.
• Abnormal decrease in blood glucose.
• Swelling and rupture of the spleen.
• Kidney failure.
• Shock, which includes a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Emphysema, where fluid builds up in the lungs.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome affects breathing.
• Drought.

Malaria Diagnosis

If you're concerned about malaria, your doctor will perform tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

There are several steps a doctor follows to diagnose malaria:

• The doctor will ask about your health history and recent travel to tropical areas where malaria is common.
• The doctor performs a general physical examination; To check for enlargement of the spleen or liver.
• A blood test will be ordered to look for the parasite that causes malaria within the red blood cells.

The blood test also helps determine the type of malaria and the extent of its resistance to various treatments and reveals any effects on vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.

Based on the results of the medical dialogue, physical examination, and blood test, the doctor will determine whether you have malaria or not and will begin prescribing the appropriate treatment if the results are positive.

Therefore, diagnosing malaria early helps in starting treatment quickly while increasing the chances of recovery.

When to See a Doctor

If you think you may have been exposed to malaria while traveling to an area where the disease is common, go see a doctor.

There is a page for travelers on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website that provides valuable information to help you understand how to prevent malaria and directs you to where you can go to get medical help while traveling.

You can also ask your doctor about carrying antimalarial medications with you during your trip, especially if you have a high risk of infection, as early treatment can help prevent serious complications.

If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency department immediately:

• Unconsciousness.
• Convulsions.
• difficulty breathing.
• Extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
• Dark or bloody urine.
• Yellow eyes and skin.
• Abnormal bleeding.

What Should a Maralria Patient Eat?

The diet should focus on strengthening immunity without exhausting the body, as a malaria patient’s diet should include the following elements:

• Rice is easy to digest and provides energy quickly.
• Complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as beets, carrots, papaya, lemons, grapes, and oranges. These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins A and C, which boost immunity and help fight infections.
• Nuts and seeds are rich sources of plant nutrients, and also contain healthy fats and proteins, and are rich in antioxidants.
• It is recommended to drink 3-3.5 liters per day to help wash toxins from the body.
• Drink fluids in various forms, such as milk, fruit juices, and soup.

Foods that a malaria patient should avoid:

• Completely stay away from fatty foods, such as French fries, crackers, pastries, anything that contains a large amount of cheese, foods made from white flour, etc.
• Spicy foods, as they cause stomach problems and heartburn.
• Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, or any other drinks that contain caffeine.
• It is not recommended to eat sauces and pickles at all, as they may further irritate the stomach.

Malaria Treatment

Fortunately, most people with malaria recover completely if they are diagnosed and treated early.

The doctor will shed light on an effective anti-malaria drug that targets the elimination of the parasites that cause the disease in the blood circulation.

There are several types of these medications, including the most popular:

• Artemisinin-based treatments: currently considered most effective against malaria.
• Chloroquine: An effective drug. However, some parasites have developed resistance to it.
• Hydroxychloroquine: Similar to chloroquine and used in some conditions.
• Primaquin: It is used to eliminate parasites lurking in the liver. To prevent relapse in certain cases.
• Atovaquin-proguanil: This is a combination medicine sometimes used in the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Malaria treatment duration

The duration of treatment for malaria usually ranges from two to four weeks and varies depending on the type of Plasmodium that causes the disease.

An appropriate treatment plan should be organized according to the type of malaria and the severity of symptoms. Worsening of symptoms may require prolonged treatment and additional care.

The medications used to treat malaria vary depending on the areas of infection, due to the possibility of parasites becoming resistant to common medications in some areas. There are also safe medications for pregnant women who suffer from malaria.

If you used malaria prophylaxis before traveling, this may affect the choice of treatment.

Complementary services for malaria treatment include:

• Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest in minor cases.
• There is an urgent need to visit the hospital and get appropriate treatment in severe cases.
• Acute care in the emergency intensive care unit.
• Using several medications to treat complex malaria and control potential complications.

These services provide comprehensive care for malaria patients, tailored to the needs of each case and the severity of the symptoms associated with it.

Malaria medications' side effects

Malaria medications cause some side effects, so be sure to inform your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking, as malaria medications can interact with them. Depending on the type of medication, side effects include:

• Digestive problems such as nausea and diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• Insomnia and disturbing dreams.
• Psychological disorders and vision problems.
• Ringing in the ear.
• Seizures.
• Anemia.

Malaria Prevention

If you are planning to travel to an area where malaria is common, whether for temporary residence or tourism, we recommend that you check with your doctor about taking preventive medications.

You should usually take these medications before, during, and after your trip, as they greatly reduce the risk of malaria.

You should be careful and take the necessary precautions when it comes to malaria, and it is important to know that malaria cannot be treated with preventive medications, even if they are taken.

Therefore, you should take care to effectively avoid mosquito bites to avoid discomfort and itching.

Here are some tips:

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET and apply it to exposed parts of the skin.
• Use a mosquito net by spraying insecticide over your bed while you sleep.
• Make sure to put the nets on the windows and doors. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your room.
• Caring for your clothes and bedding. Permethrin insecticide can be used to treat fabrics and make them uninviting to mosquitoes.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, to reduce exposure to bitten skin.
• Avoid walking on grass or green lands after sunset.

Malaria Vaccine 

There is now a vaccine available to prevent malaria, but it is not used by travelers.

It has been approved for use in children living in moderate-to-high-risk areas in sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection is common.

To date, experts have administered more than 2.3 million vaccines, and this vaccine has a good safety record, meaning it is considered safe to use.

Although the vaccine will save lives, it is not 100% effective.

Currently, in children under five years of age, the vaccine provides:

• 30% protection against severe malaria after four doses.
• Potentially saving 1 life out of every 200 children vaccinated.
• It can reduce the risk of the condition by 40%.

In conclusion, Farashti, by following the tips you read in this article, you will be able to defeat malaria.

Remember that prevention is better than cure, so be sure to follow the steps to protect against mosquito bites, and pay attention to eating a healthy diet rich in elements that strengthen your body’s immunity.

Do not be afraid to seek help from your specialist doctor, as he will help you with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

With patience and determination, you will be able to defeat malaria and return to your normal life. My greetings to you from the bottom of my heart.

FAQ's about Malaria

Is malaria contagious from person to person?

No, malaria is not contagious from person to person, meaning that the disease cannot be transmitted through a cold or physical contact with a person infected with malaria, but rather it is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

How long does it take to recover from malaria?

The duration of recovery from malaria varies depending on its type, the severity of the infection, and the type of treatment used. It can take between two to four weeks for simple cases, and up to several weeks for severe cases that require hospitalization and intensive treatment, so it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Does malaria go away without treatment?

No, malaria usually does not disappear without treatment, and if there is suspicion of malaria, a doctor must be consulted to evaluate the condition, confirm the diagnosis, and begin appropriate treatment. Leaving malaria untreated can lead to worsening symptoms and the occurrence of serious complications.

Written by: Dr. Nahed Abd Alhakam Ahmad

Translated by: Ph. Marah Mohamad

Sources:

medicalnewstoday

healthline

clevelandclinic