Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Complications, And Vaccines

“Prevention is better than cure.” You may have heard this phrase, but when it comes to malaria, it is especially true. Each monsoon season, as the rains bring relief from the heat, many cities see a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses. Mumbai and Delhi are already reporting an increase in malaria cases this year, serving as a reminder to stay alert.

Malaria is not new to India. Many families have experienced a loved one or neighbour suffering from high fever and chills. With newer treatments and vaccines now available, there is reason for hope. To protect ourselves, it is important to understand what malaria is, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented and treated.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites enter the body when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person. Once inside, the parasites first multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to repeated episodes of fever, chills, and weakness.

Malaria is both preventable and treatable. However, cases tend to rise after the monsoon rains because stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

What causes malaria, and how does it spread?

• Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The most common species in India are P. falciparum and P. vivax.
• It is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
• Rarely, malaria can be transmitted through blood transfusion, shared needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy.

In simple terms, the mosquito acts as a carrier: it bites a person who has malaria, picks up the parasite, and passes it on to the next person it bites.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Symptoms usually appear 7–30 days after infection, depending on the species of parasite. In some cases, symptoms may return months later. Common symptoms include:

• High fever with chills
• Sweating as the fever drops
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Cough or rapid breathing (especially in children)

If ignored, malaria can quickly become severe, particularly in children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

How is malaria diagnosed?

Doctors use reliable tests for diagnosis:

• Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): provide results in 15–20 minutes.
• Microscopy: blood smear examined under a microscope.
• PCR tests: advanced and highly accurate, used mainly in larger hospitals.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Any fever during the monsoon should be tested for malaria.

How is malaria treated?

Treatment depends on the parasite species and severity:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs): first-line treatment for P. falciparum malaria.
• Primaquine or tafenoquine: used for P. vivax malaria to prevent relapse from parasites hiding in the liver.
• Severe malaria: requires hospital care with injectable artesunate and supportive treatment.

Self-medication can be dangerous. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Which malaria vaccines are available?

Vaccines are a major breakthrough in malaria prevention:

• RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix): It was introduced in 2021, mainly for children in high-risk areas. It reduces severe malaria cases by about 30–40%.
• R21/Matrix-M:It was launched in 2023. In clinical trials, it showed more than 70% effectiveness in children.

These vaccines are not yet widely available, but they offer hope, especially for children in malaria-endemic regions.

What are the latest malaria prevention methods?

• Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
• Use mosquito repellents (such as DEET or picaridin).
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially in the morning and evening.
• Remove stagnant water from coolers, pots, and drains.
• Support community mosquito-control programmes such as spraying.

Researchers are also exploring genetically modified mosquitoes that cannot transmit malaria, though this is still in testing.

What complications can arise from malaria?

If untreated, malaria can cause:

• Seizures or coma (cerebral malaria)
• Severe anemia
• Liver or kidney failure
• Ruptured spleen
• Low blood sugar
• In severe cases, death

Conclusion

The rise in malaria cases this monsoon is a reminder that the fight is not over. The positive news is that malaria is both preventable and treatable. By recognising symptoms early, getting tested promptly, and following prevention measures, families can stay safe. With new vaccines and improved treatments available in 2025, the future looks more hopeful.

FAQs

Who is most at risk for malaria, and how can they stay protected?

Children, pregnant women, and people in malaria-prone areas are at higher risk. Protection includes mosquito nets, repellents, preventive medicines, and vaccination.

Can malaria be transmitted through blood transfusion or organ transplant?

Yes, although rare, malaria can spread through infected blood transfusions or organ transplants.

Is malaria contagious from one person to another?

No, malaria does not spread directly from person to person. It requires a mosquito as the carrier.

Can you get malaria more than once?

Yes, malaria infection does not provide lifelong immunity, so reinfections are possible.

Is malaria completely curable?

Yes, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, malaria can be completely cured.

Are malaria vaccines safe for pregnant women?

Currently, malaria vaccines are recommended mainly for children. Their safety in pregnant women is still under study.

What is the incubation period of malaria after a mosquito bite?

It usually takes 7 to 30 days for symptoms to appear after being bitten by an infected mosquito.