Malaria Disease :Causes,Symptoms , Prevention , And Treatment

Malaria is one of the oldest and most widespread infectious diseases know to humankind.

it continues to affect millions of people worldwide , especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

malaria remains a major public health issue .

Below is a point – wise , explanation for easy understanding .

1 . Introduction to malaria

• Malaria is a life – threatening disease caused by parasites called Plasmodium .

• It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

• The disease affects the red blood cells and cause serious complications if untreated.

• Malaria is preventable and treatable but still causes significant illness and deaths each year .

2 . Global Impact of Malaria

• Malaria is prevalent in more than 90 countries , especially in Africa , Asia , and South America .

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , there are over 200 million cases annually .

• Children under 5 years and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups .

3. Causes of Malaria

• Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites.

• There are five species of Plasmodium that infect humans .

a. Plasmodium falciparum – most deadly and widespread.

b. Plasmodium vivax – common in Asia and America , can cause relapses .

c. Plasmodium ovale – rare , causes mild malaria but can ralapse .

d . Plasmodium malaria – causes long-lasting infections.

e. Plasmodium knowlesi – found in southeast Asia , transmitted from monkeys to humans.

4 . Transmission of malaria

• Spread mainly though bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes that carry the parasite.

• Other rare modes of transmission :

• Blood transfusion from infected donor .

• Sharing contaminated needles .

• Mother to child during pregnancy (congenital malaria )

5. Life Cycle of Malaria Parasite ( Simplifies )

1. Mosquito Bite – parasite enters human blood through mosquito saliva.
2. Liver Stage – Parasites travel to the Liver and multiply silently .
3. Blood Stage – Parasites enter red blood cells , multiply, and cause symptoms .
4. Mosquito Stage – Another mosquito bites an infected person and carries the parasite to new victims

6 – Symptoms of Malaria

• Common symptoms :
  • High fever (often with chills ).
  • Sweating and shivering .
  • Headache and shivering .
  • Headache and body pain
  • Nausea , vomiting , and diarrhea .
  • Fatigue and weakness.

• Sever malaria symptoms:
  • Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
  • Severe anemia.
  • Convulsions.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Organ failure (kidney/liver)
• Untreated malaria can lead to coma or death

7 . Types of Malaria (Based on Symptoms)

• Uncomplicated Malaria – Fever, chills, and other mild symptoms.
• Severe Malaria – Life threatening condition involving organ damage, cerebral malaria (affecting the brain ).

8 . Diagnosis of Malaria

• Microscopic blood smear test .
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Diagnosis is crucial because malaria symptoms are similar to other infection.

10 . Complications of Malaria .

• If untreated , malaria can cause:

• Severe anemia .
• Cerebral malaria.

• Low Blood Sugar
• Kidney and Liver failure.

• Breathing difficulties .

• Shock or coma .

• Malaria in pregnancy can cause miscarriage , premature birth , or stillbirth .

11. Prevention of Malaria

a) Avoiding Mosquito Bites

• Use insecticide – treated bed nets .
• Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin.
  • Wear long – sleeved clothes .
  • Keep windows and doors closed or screened.

b) Environmental Control

• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water )
• Spray insecticides in malaria – prone areas.

c) Chemoprevention (Medicines for Prevention)

• Pregnant women in high – risk areas may take preventive drugs.
• Travelers to malaria zones are advised to take antimalarial medicine before, during, and after travel.

d) Vaccination

• The world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S (Mosquirix), is being introduction in Africa .
• It provides partial protection but is a major step forward.

12 . Malaria and Children

• Children under 5 are most affected due to weak immunity.
• Every year, hundreds of thousands of children die from malaria , mostly in Africa.
• Early diagnosis

13. Malaria and Pregnancy

• Severe anemia in mothers.
• Low birth weight in babies.
• Premature delivery
• High maternal and infant mortality.

14 . Malaria Myths and Facts

• Malaria spreads from person to person like the flu.
• Only poor countries face malaria .

15. Future Challenges in Malaria Controls

• Drug resistance
• Insecticide resistance – Mosquitoes adapting to chemicals
• Climate change
• Weak healthcare systems

16. Conclusion

• Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease
• Awareness , preventive measures, timely diagnosis , and effective treatment are the keys to controlling malaria .
• With vaccines , better medicines , and global cooperation, the world is moving closer to the dream of a malaria – free future .