Malaria

Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic illness characterized by high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.

Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors

Malaria is triggered by a parasite transmitted from one person to another through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Upon infection, the parasites (known as sporozoites) travel through the bloodstream to the liver, where they mature and release another form called merozoites. These parasites then enter the bloodstream and invade red blood cells.

Inside the red blood cells, the parasites multiply and cause them to rupture within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red blood cells. Symptoms typically manifest 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, occurring in cycles of 48 to 72 hours. The main symptoms are attributed to the release of merozoites into the bloodstream, anemia due to red blood cell destruction, and the release of excess hemoglobin into circulation after cell rupture.

Malaria can also be transmitted congenitally from mother to baby and through blood transfusions. While mosquitoes can carry malaria in temperate climates, the parasite disappears during winter. The disease is a significant health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 300-500 million cases and over 1 million deaths annually, posing a risk to travelers visiting warm climates.

In some regions, mosquitoes have developed resistance to insecticides, and parasites have become resistant to certain antibiotics, making disease control challenging. There are four common types of malaria parasites, with a fifth type, Plasmodium knowlesi, recently identified in Singapore and parts of Southeast Asia. Falciparum malaria is particularly severe, affecting more red blood cells and often proving fatal within hours of symptom onset.

Symptoms

Symptoms of malaria include anemia, bloody stools, chills, coma, convulsions, fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

Signs and Tests

Physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver or spleen, while malaria blood smears taken at intervals of 6 to 12 hours confirm the diagnosis. Anemia can be detected through a complete blood count (CBC).

Treatment

Malaria, especially falciparum malaria, is a medical emergency necessitating hospitalization. Chloroquine is commonly used as an anti-malarial medication, although chloroquine-resistant infections are prevalent in some regions. Alternative treatments for chloroquine-resistant infections include various medication combinations depending on the infection's location. Medical care, intravenous fluids, medications, and respiratory support may be necessary.