Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Malaria is one of the oldest and most widespread infectious diseases known to humanity. Despite centuries of medical advancements, it continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year, particularly among children in low-income tropical regions. Caused by a parasite and spread through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, malaria is preventable and treatable, but its impact is still severe in many parts of the world.

For families, especially those living in or traveling to malaria-endemic regions, it’s essential to understand what malaria is, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to seek effective treatment. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and global burden of malaria, using humanised language and incorporating SEO keywords like “malaria symptoms,” “causes of malaria,” “how to prevent malaria,” and “malaria treatment in children and adults.”

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and then infect red blood cells, leading to recurring cycles of fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

There are five species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans:

• Plasmodium falciparum (most severe and deadly)
• Plasmodium vivax
• Plasmodium ovale
• Plasmodium malariae
• Plasmodium knowlesi (zoonotic, found mainly in Southeast Asia)

Of these, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most widespread and clinically significant.

Causes of Malaria

How Does Malaria Spread?

Malaria is caused when a female Anopheles mosquito, carrying Plasmodium parasites, bites a human and transmits the parasites into the bloodstream. The primary causes of malaria are:

• Mosquito bites in endemic regions
• Transfusion of infected blood
• Organ transplants
• Sharing needles contaminated with infected blood
• Congenital malaria (from mother to child during pregnancy)

It’s important to note that malaria is not spread through casual contact like touching or hugging.

Risk Factors

Certain conditions increase the risk of contracting malaria:

• Living or traveling in tropical and subtropical regions
• Lack of mosquito protection measures
• Pregnancy, which reduces immunity
• Young children and infants
• Individuals with no prior exposure or immunity

People in endemic areas may develop partial immunity over time, but newcomers and tourists remain at high risk.

Symptoms of Malaria

What Does Malaria Feel Like?

The symptoms of malaria typically appear 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In some cases, symptoms may be delayed if the person is taking prophylactic medicine or if they are infected with P. vivax or P. ovale, which can remain dormant in the liver for months.

Typical symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills and shivering
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid breathing or heart rate

In severe cases, malaria can cause:

• Seizures
• Confusion or coma
• Severe anemia
• Organ failure
• Death

Children with malaria may have less specific symptoms such as drowsiness, poor feeding, or convulsions.

Types of Malaria

Based on Species and Severity

Malaria can be categorized by the Plasmodium species involved and the severity of illness.

• Uncomplicated malaria: Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms without organ complications
• Severe malaria: Involves complications like cerebral malaria, kidney failure, or severe anemia

The Plasmodium falciparum species is most likely to cause severe malaria and rapid deterioration.

Diagnosis of Malaria

How is Malaria Confirmed?

Accurate and early diagnosis of malaria is crucial to prevent complications and death. Diagnostic tools include:

• Microscopy: A drop of blood is examined under a microscope to detect parasites
• Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): Detect malaria antigens in blood within 15–20 minutes
• PCR tests: Used in research or complex cases for species confirmation
• Complete blood count (CBC): May show anemia or low platelets

Diagnosis should always be done before treatment, especially in areas where malaria-like illnesses (e.g., dengue, typhoid) are common.

Treatment of Malaria

Medicines that Save Lives

Treatment of malaria depends on the species, severity, and the patient’s age and general health.

For Uncomplicated Malaria:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for most cases.
  • Examples: Artesunate + Mefloquine, Artemether + Lumefantrine
• Chloroquine: Used for P. vivax or P. ovale, if the parasite is sensitive
• Primaquine: Given after initial treatment to clear liver-stage parasites and prevent relapse

For Severe Malaria:

• IV artesunate or quinine
• Hospitalization and supportive care (IV fluids, blood transfusions, oxygen)

Prompt treatment typically leads to full recovery, especially if started early.

Prevention of Malaria

Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe

While malaria is serious, it is also highly preventable. If you live in or plan to travel to an area with malaria, here are the best ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs)
• Apply mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin
• Wear long sleeves and pants in the evening
• Close windows and use screens
• Take prophylactic antimalarial medication if traveling to endemic areas
• Drain stagnant water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding

Malaria prevention is especially critical for pregnant women and children, who are more vulnerable.

Table: Uncomplicated vs Severe Malaria

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main cause of malaria and how can it be avoided?

The main cause of malaria is infection with Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. To avoid malaria, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during dusk and dawn when these mosquitoes are most active. Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, apply repellents, wear long clothing, and use mosquito screens on windows and doors. If you are traveling to a malaria-endemic area, consult your doctor for preventive medications like Malarone, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Malaria can also be prevented through community-wide measures such as mosquito control programs, drainage of standing water, and indoor insecticide spraying.

What are the first signs and symptoms of malaria in children?

In children, malaria often starts with non-specific symptoms that mimic the flu. These include fever, chills, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, or lethargy. As the illness progresses, the child may develop more severe signs such as rapid breathing, pallor, seizures, or drowsiness. Because children, especially those under five, are more vulnerable to complications, any unexplained fever in a malaria-prone area should be considered suspicious. Rapid testing and early treatment can prevent progression to severe malaria, which can be life-threatening.

Can malaria go away on its own without treatment?

No, malaria rarely resolves completely without proper treatment. While symptoms may temporarily subside in mild cases, the parasites can stay in the body and cause relapses or complications. P. vivax and P. ovale can hide in the liver and re-emerge months later. Additionally, P. falciparum malaria can escalate quickly, leading to coma or death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical care and complete the full course of prescribed antimalarial drugs.

Is malaria contagious from person to person?

No, malaria is not contagious through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing food. It requires a mosquito vector to transmit the Plasmodium parasite. However, rare transmission can occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or shared needles, and pregnant mothers can pass the infection to their unborn baby (congenital malaria). In general, malaria is not spread directly from person to person without a mosquito vector.

What is the treatment for malaria during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe malaria and complications like miscarriage, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Treatment must be both effective and safe for the baby. ACTs (such as artemether-lumefantrine) are recommended during the second and third trimesters. Quinine and clindamycin are preferred in the first trimester. Preventive strategies include intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) and regular antenatal screening in malaria-endemic regions. Always consult a qualified doctor to determine the safest treatment options.

What are the complications of untreated or severe malaria?

If left untreated, malaria can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, especially from P. falciparum. These include:

• Cerebral malaria (affecting the brain)
• Severe anemia
• Kidney or liver failure
• Lung edema (fluid in lungs)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Shock and death

Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk. These complications highlight the need for early diagnosis and rapid treatment.

How is malaria different from dengue fever?

Malaria and dengue are both mosquito-borne diseases, but they differ in their causes, vectors, and symptoms. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, while dengue is caused by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Malaria typically causes cyclic fevers, chills, and sweating, while dengue often presents with high fever, severe muscle pain, rash, and low platelet count. Dengue can lead to bleeding and fluid leakage, while malaria can cause anemia and brain complications. Diagnosis and treatment also differ, so lab testing is essential for accurate identification.

Can someone get malaria more than once?

Yes, you can get malaria multiple times. Immunity to malaria develops slowly and is partial at best, especially in endemic regions. Moreover, P. vivax and P. ovale can cause relapses months or even years after the initial infection due to dormant liver stages. If you’re re-exposed to infected mosquitoes, you can contract malaria again unless you take preventive measures. Immunity wanes when you move away from endemic areas, making travelers particularly vulnerable.

Are there vaccines for malaria?

Yes, after decades of research, the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), has been approved for use in children in some African countries. It offers moderate protection against P. falciparum malaria, especially in areas with high transmission. New vaccines like R21/Matrix-M are also under development and show promise in clinical trials. However, these vaccines are not yet widely available. Until they are, prevention through mosquito control and chemoprophylaxis remains the mainstay.

How long does it take to recover from malaria?

Recovery from malaria depends on the type of malaria, the severity of the illness, and how early treatment was started. Uncomplicated malaria usually improves within 48–72 hours of starting antimalarial medications. Fatigue may linger for a few weeks, especially in children. Severe malaria may take longer and could require hospitalization and supportive care. Proper nutrition, hydration, and rest support a full recovery. It’s also important to complete the entire medication course to prevent relapse or resistance.

Research References on Malaria