Malaria is a mosquito-borne blood disease. The Anopheles mosquito transmits it to humans. The parasites in

mosquitos that spread malaria belong to the Plasmodium genus. Once an infected mosquito bites a human, the parasites multiply in the host’s liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells.

This article covers symptoms caused by different species of Plasmodium parasite, treatment of malaria and diet recommendations for the patients, tests to be conducted for the diagnosis of malaria, causes and steps to be taken for prevention of malaria.

Causes

Malaria is caused by a bite from the female Anopheles mosquito which infects the body with Plasmodium. Female Anopheles mosquito is the only vector for the malaria – causing Plasmodium parasite. Anopheles mosquito is also called “night – biting” mosquito because it generally bites during the period between dusk and dawn. The parasite thrives in humidity.

When an infected mosquito bites a human (host), the Plasmodium parasite enters the blood. It stays in the liver for some period. There may be no symptoms for the next 10 – 15 days. The parasite multiplies in this duration.

The new malarial parasites are released in the blood by the liver. The parasites infect the red blood cells and continue to multiply. If some parasites remain in the liver, they cause recurrence of the disease later.

When an uninfected mosquito bites a person with malaria, it acquires the parasites. This mosquito may bite a new host, resulting in the transmission of malaria.

Symptoms

Symptoms for Malaria generally appear 10 – 15 days after the mosquito bite, but may occur later in those who have taken antimalarial medications as prevention. Initial symptoms are similar to those of flu and other conditions such as viral infections. These include: Headache, fatigue, diarrhea, fever, chills, pain in the joints, vomiting, anemia, jaundice, chest or abdominal pain, kidney failure and seizures.

In some cases, there is a cycle of sudden coldness followed by shivering and then fever and sweating. This cycle, called paroxysm, occurs every two days in P. vivax and P. ovale infections, and every three days for P. malariae. P. falciparum infection can cause recurrent fever every 36–48 hours, or a less pronounced and almost continuous fever.

Symptoms of severe malaria, usually caused by P. falciparum, include fever and chills, impaired consciousness, prostration, multiple convulsions, deep breathing and respiratory distress, abnormal bleeding and signs of anemia, clinical jaundice and evidence of vital organ dysfunction.

Diagnosis

For recovery from malaria, it is important to diagnose it early. The WHO recommends microscopic laboratory testing or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), depending on the facilities available.

Since symptoms alone cannot distinguish malaria from other ailments, it is important to conduct blood tests. Blood tests help to confirm the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood and to determine the type of malarial parasite and whether it is resistant to anti – malarial drugs. Some blood tests also help determine whether there are any serious complications.

Treatment

The treatment includes artemisinin – based combination therapy (ACT). A healthy diet should also be maintained for a speedy recovery.

Diet recommendations for the patients:

• As fever increases the body metabolic rate, calorie requirement also increases. Thus, foods that provide instant energy should be taken, such as, glucose water, sugarcane juice, fruits juice, coconut water etc.
• A protein-rich diet should be taken as there is a massive tissue loss. This includes milk, curd, buttermilk, fish (stew), chicken (soup/stew), egg etc.
• Fats should be taken in moderation as excessive fats can have a negative impact on digestion. Dairy fats that help in digestion can be taken.
• Vitamin rich foods such as carrot, beetroot, orange, grapes, apple, berries etc. should be consumed to improve immunity.
• Fluid intake should be increased to compensate for the fluid loss.

Foods that should be avoided by the patients:

• Fibrous foods such as leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals etc.
• Fried, spicy, junk and processed food
• High consumption of tea, coffee etc.

Prevention

According to the WHO, RTS, S/AS01 (RTS, S) is the first and, to date, the only vaccine to show partial protection against malaria in young children. It acts against P. falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasite globally. It requires four injections, and its effectiveness is low.

Vector control is an important method to reduce the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes.Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are two of the most common and effective methods to prevent malaria among children in areas where it is common.

Mosquito nets are useful to keep mosquitoes away and decrease infection rates and transmission of malaria. Nets do not provide a complete barrier. Hence, they should be treated with an insecticide designed to kill the mosquito before it could find a way past the net.

Indoor residual spraying is the spraying of insecticides on the walls of the house. The mosquitos that rest on the walls can be killed by the insecticide.

Ensure that there is no standing water near your house, as it is the breeding ground for mosquitos. If it is not possible to remove the standing water, kerosene should be added to it, as it kills the mosquito larvae in the water.

Mosquito repellant creams, mosquito patches and mosquito sprays can also be used to prevent mosquito bites.

 

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