Malaria Prevention: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Control Strategies

How is Malaria Caused?

Malaria is one of the major public health concerns in India. During June to September, the country experiences monsoon and the maximum transmission is due to collection of rainwater that leads to mosquito breeding. Awareness of how malaria is caused is vital to take the right preventive steps. Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the malarial parasite from one person to another. There are four species of malaria parasites that infect the human body. The two most common Plasmodium malaria parasites are Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

Point to keep in mind: Not all Anopheles mosquitoes have malaria, but if they bite a person with malaria, they become infectious. When this infected mosquito bites another individual, it transfers a parasite to that person’s bloodstream. In rare cases, pregnant females with malaria can transfer the disease to the child before or during birth.

It’s also possible but unlikely for malaria to be transferred through hypodermic needles, organ donations, and blood transfusions.

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

The signs and symptoms of malaria can be categorised into two main categories: uncomplicated malaria or severe malaria disease.

Uncomplicated Malaria Disease

A person is said to have uncomplicated malaria disease if he/she has symptoms but no sign of dysfunction of vital organs or a severe infection. However, in the case of individuals with low immunity, it can progress to severe malaria. Signs and symptoms of uncomplicated malaria can resemble those of the flu and can last 6 to 10 hours and recur every second day. Some strains of the malaria disease parasite can have a longer cycle and cause mixed symptoms.

Overall symptoms include

• Fever

• Shaking chills

• Sweating

• Nausea and vomiting

• Joint pain

• Headaches

• Enlarged liver

• Stomach ache and diarrhoea

• Weakness and fatigue

• Mild jaundice (causes the eyes to appear yellow)

• A high breathing rate

Severe Malaria

Plasmodium falciparum on the other hand can cause potentially lethal, severe malaria disease. In some cases, malaria can also progress and affect the body’s vital organs. At this stage, the malaria disease parasite has affected over 5% of the RBCs (red blood cells).

Symptoms of Severe Malaria

• Blood in the urine

• Continuous high fever and shivering

• High acidity levels in the blood and body fluids

• Severe anaemia and loss of appetite

• Impaired consciousness and behavioural alterations

• Seizures

Note: Severe malaria is a critical medical emergency and can be potentially life-threatening. People with severe signs and symptoms of malaria must get emergency malaria treatment and care. Malaria during pregnancy can cause premature delivery or low birth weight.

The most severe form of malaria disease, which can progress to coma, is referred to as cerebral malaria.

Malaria Fever Cycle

The classic malaria fever cycle usually lasts for 6 to 10 hours and involves:

• Shivering and chills

• Fever, headaches (possibility of seizures in young children)

• A sweating stage and then a return to usual temperatures, accompanied by fatigue.

• Living environment

• Malaria vectors (Anopheles mosquitoes) can be found near permanent water bodies including swamps, creeks, lagoons, bushy streams, community open wells, and blocked river mouths. Mosquitoes live near artificial water containers and rest in tall grasses or weeds.

When can you Start Noticing Signs and Symptoms of Malaria?

If an individual is infected with malaria, symptoms usually appear 10 days to a month after the person has been infected. Some malaria parasites can sometimes live in the body for years without causing symptoms.

Also read:10 Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

Prevention of Malaria

The use of protection measures against mosquito bites can significantly contribute to the prevention of malaria.

Here are a few important steps one can take for the prevention and control of malaria:

• Apply an insect repellent to exposed skin. The recommended mosquito repellent contains 20 to 35% of DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide).

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants if you are planning to be outdoors at night.

• Use a mosquito net over the bed if the bedroom is not screened or air-conditioned. For additional protection, you can also treat the mosquito net with permethrin.

• Mosquitos may also bite through thin clothing, so spray a repellent on clothing to stay protected.

• Spray pyrethrin or a similar insecticide in the bedroom before going to bed.

• If travelling to an area where there is a spread of malaria, talk to a healthcare provider about anti-malarial medications that can be taken to prevent it.

• Mosquitoes breed in cool, moist, and dark areas. So, it is important to eliminate such conditions to reduce the risk of malaria. Keep your home and surroundings clean and free of junk, waste, or stagnant water.

• Avoid spending long hours in areas with high mosquito activity, especially during evening and night hours. This is the time when Anopheles mosquitoes that spread malaria bite.

• Keep the windows and doors of the house closed or fully covered with screens.

• If you’re a regular user of sunscreen, make sure to apply sunscreen first and then use an insect repellent.

• Repair broken windows or screens, doors, patios and porches.

• Getting a prompt diagnosis if someone near you thinks they have the disease.

Note: Currently, there are no over-the-counter medications available for malaria. So, it is important to take all the necessary precautions and safety measures for the prevention of malaria.

Malaria Relapses

With some types of Plasmodium, malaria can disappear but can return months or years later. This occurs because of the parasite’s dormant stages during which there is no disease activity. However, symptoms can also occur if the parasites reactivate. Plasmodium vivax can stay in the body and become active again or relapse. Treatment after the first episode can help in the prevention of malaria relapses.

Summary

Malaria occurs from a mosquito bite carrying certain types of Plasmodium parasites. Anyone planning to spend time in a high-risk malaria region must seek advice from malaria doctors about strategies to reduce the risk of disease. Malaria is a serious disease and can also be life-threatening if not treated on time. However, with the right malaria treatment, a majority of people make a full recovery. It is crucial to keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of malaria like fever and chills and consult a doctor immediately.

Article By Dr. Seema Dhir
Sr. Consultant - Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is malaria disease difficult to control?

Presently, no licensed vaccine against malaria exists. The lack of understanding of malaria disease pathogenesis and the overall complexity of the malarial parasite has also hampered vaccine development efforts making malaria difficult to control.

How can malaria be treated?

Malaria can be treated using artemisinin-based combination therapy which is a combination of two or more drugs working against the malarial parasite in different ways. Other antimalarial drugs include; chloroquine, atovaquone, mefloquine, doxycycline, quinine, and primaquine.

What steps to take for the prevention of malaria at home?

During the rainy season, these simple tips aid the prevention and control of malaria at home:

• Cover the entire room with bed nets treated with insecticides.

• Avoid dark clothes and wear full garments so your body isn’t exposed to mosquitoes.

• Apply a layer of mosquito repellent cream at night before sleeping.

How to recognise the malaria-causing Anopheles mosquito?

Anopheles mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite and can be recognised as Anopheles stand straight up at the time of biting while other mosquitoes stand parallel to the skin.

How important is early diagnosis and treatment in preventing malaria complications?

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications associated with any medical condition. In case of malaria, risk of severe complications like cerebral malaria, severe anemia, kidney failure, and respiratory distress. Getting timey medical consultation near you can significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce health risks. 

Which parasite is responsible for the most severe cases of malaria?

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe and potentially fatal cases of malaria. Quick testing and treatment near me are vital to prevent complications.

What vaccines are available for malaria prevention?

The RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine is approved for use in children in some countries. While not widely available near me yet, preventive care and antimalarial medication remain key in high-risk areas.

Is there a season when malaria risk is higher?

Yes, malaria risk is higher during and after the monsoon season when stagnant water promotes mosquito breeding. Extra precautions near me are essential during this time.

What should I pack for malaria prevention when travelling?

Travelers should carry insect repellent, mosquito nets, antimalarial medication, and full-sleeved clothing. Consult a doctor near you for personalised prevention advice before departure.

What symptoms should prompt me to get tested for malaria at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon?

Malaria symptoms such ashigh fever, chills, sweating, body aches, and fatigue are key signs. If these symptoms persist or worsen, visit Artemis Hospitals, sector-51, Gurgaon for comprehensive diagnosis and timely treatment. 

Does the climate in Gurgaon increase the risk of malaria transmission?

Yes, Gurgaon’s humid climate and waterlogging in monsoons can raise malaria risk. Using mosquito protection and seeking help near me at the first sign of symptoms is advisable.

Does Artemis Hospitals offer rapid malaria testing near me in Gurgaon?

Yes, Artemis Hospitals provides rapid malaria testing and diagnosis services in Gurgaon, helping with early detection and effective treatment. Internal medicine doctors at Artemis Hospitals offer comprehensive diagnostic analysis to ensure the best course of treatment.

Are there any government malaria control programs supported by Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon?

Yes, Artemis Hospitals, Sector-51, Gurgaon often supports public health initiatives, including awareness and early diagnosis programs aligned with government malaria control efforts.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of getting malaria near me in Gurgaon?

Using mosquito nets, repellents, avoiding outdoor activity at dusk, and eliminating standing water near me can greatly reduce malaria risk in urban areas like Gurgaon.

Are there seasonal spikes of malaria cases in Gurgaon?

Yes, Gurgaon experiences seasonal spikes in malaria cases during the rainy season. Monitoring symptoms and accessing prompt medical attention is essential during these periods.

What advice do internal medicine doctors at Artemis Hospitals give for malaria prevention?

Doctors at Artemis recommend using mosquito protection, taking antimalarial meds when advised, and getting tested early if symptoms appear, especially during high-risk months.

Are pregnant women in Gurgaon at higher risk of severe malaria?

Yes, pregnant women face a higher risk of complications from malaria. Regular check-ups and preventive care in Gurgaon are strongly recommended during pregnancy. To book an appointment with some of the best internal medicine specialists in Gurgaon, call us at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91-959-928-5476. You can also schedule an appointment online or download the Artemis Personal Health Record app on iOS or Android. We’re here for you—because your health deserves expert care.