World Malaria Day: Not Just A Mosquito Bite If Symptoms Include Fever, Nausea & More

Every year, April 25 is celebrated as World Malaria Day. It was established in 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, a decision-making body of the World Health Organization.

This year, we spoke to Dr Atul Bhasin, Director of Internal Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, to understand the causes, symptoms and prevention of the diseases.

Causes For Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by a mosquito bite. However, it does not remain confined to just redness and itching, but it is followed by symptoms, some of which are similar to Covid-19.

When an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites, it transfers a parasite called Plasmodium. There are more than 60 anopheline species, which can transmit this type of parasite to humans. There are four types of Plasmodium and vivax is the reason for recurring malaria among humans.

According to a study in the Mayo Clinic, there is a transmission cycle for the diseases.

• Usually, a mosquito becomes infected by feeding on a malaria patient
• If that infected mosquito bites a healthy person, it would transmit the parasite to their body.
• Once the parasite is in the body, it finds its way to the liver, where it can stay dormant.
• If it matures, it would leave the liver, enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells. This is when a person would start showing the symptoms.
• If an uninfected mosquito bites a person at this moment, the cycle will go on a loop.

Symptoms Of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria start showing after a few days of the bite. The list includes:

• Headache
• Fever with chills
• Vomiting
• Shivering
• Nausea
• Breathlessness (Breathing Teachniques To Cope With Anxiety)
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Loss of consciousness
• Body ache

If not treated on time, a person can experience blood in the urine. Dr Bhasin said if the treatment is not proper or given on time, it may also lead to multiple organ failure..

According to a report published in the Mayo Clinic, a few people can also experience malaria attacks that start with chills and shivers and are usually followed by a high fever.

A person bitten by an infected mosquito will start experiencing symptoms within a few weeks. However, the parasite can remain dormant in the body for about a year.

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How To Prevent Malaria

Malaria can be prevented if you take care of a few things. You should:

• Use mosquito nets around beds
• Keep the doors and windows (Ways To Beautify Windows) closed
• Use mesh nets on doors or windows to ensure airflow in the house while restricting the entry of mosquitoes
• Use mosquito repellents
• Wear full sleeves tops and pants
• Avoid stagnation of water in pots and areas around you to prevent larvae breeding
• Keep the house clean

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Diagnosing Malaria

Dr Bhasin said malaria is diagnosed with a microscopic examination of the blood smear and rapid diagnostic test for antigens in the serum of the patient. Only a doctor can prescribe appropriate medicines for the ailment, and one must not administer them without an expert’s advice. A medical practitioner can use antacids and antipyretics along with suggesting adequate hydration to manage the condition of the patient.