Spotting the Signs: A Guide to Common Malaria Symptoms and Why Early Recognition Matters

Malaria is a very common problem affecting millions across the globe. In the year 2021, alone, 247 million cases of Malaria were diagnosed worldwide, and it further increased to 249 million in the year 2022. We all know that Malaria is caused by mosquito bites but there is more to the disease. Reading this blog, by the experts from the best hospital in India, will help you understand everything you need to know about malaria, its symptoms, and more. 

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening blood disease characterized by symptoms like high fever, chills and severe headache. Your chances of developing it are high if you live in tropical and subtropical regions. Th risks are higher in the Monsoon season. Malaria is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles Mosquito which has been infected with the Plasmodium Parasite. 

As soon as the mosquito bites you, it releases the parasite into the body. The parasite enters the bloodstream and infects it. Within a span of 48 to 72 hours, the parasites multiply, causing the infected blood cells to rupture

Malaria has been associated with unhygienic living practices and improper sanitation conditions. The disease is preventable with proper majors however this calls for the need for the right awareness and knowledge. 

What are the Symptoms of Malaria?

People generally start experiencing the symptoms of malaria almost after 10 days to 4 weeks following the infection. These vary from one person to another, depending on the type of parasite. Some people may continue feeling mild symptoms for up to a year.

The Classic symptoms of malaria include fever, chills and severe headache. All these symptoms have also been associated with a variety of other conditions and as such it is important to go for a proper diagnosis to confirm whether it is malaria or not. 

The disease can affect different people in varied ways, and while some have very severe symptoms, others may experience mild symptoms or may be completely asymptomatic. 

People with Malaria may also present with other symptoms that include:

• Uneasiness and discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Upset stomach and diarrhoea 
• Abdominal cramps and discomfort 
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Accelerated breathing and heart rate
• Persistent coughing 
• Excessive sweating 

What are the Different Types of Malaria? 

Based on the severity of the symptoms Malaria is broadly classified into two types:

• Uncomplicated malaria: In this case, the patient is symptomatic but there are no severe complications such as organ dysfunction. While some people may think that we do not need medical intervention, it is important to understand that uncomplicated Malaria can persist for a long period of time and lead to severe malaria. The patient is likely to experience common symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, headaches, weakness, accelerated breathing and malaise. 
• Severe malaria: As the name itself suggests, it is a comparatively serious form of malaria, in which the vital organs of the body get involved. If one has been diagnosed with severe malaria, it means that more than 5% of the red blood cells have been infected. The patient makes period symptoms like traces of blood in urine, unconsciousness, eccentric behaviour, seizures and coma. Severe Malaria has been classified as a medical emergency that calls for the need for immediate medical intervention. 

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasite which spreads via mosquito bite. There are 5 different types of Plasmodium parasites. These are:

• Plasmodium falciparum (or P. falciparum)
• Plasmodium malariae (or P. malariae)
• Plasmodium vivax (or P. vivax)
• Plasmodium ovale (or P. ovale)
• Plasmodium knowlesi (or P. knowlesi)

Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous of all and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications like renal failure and convulsions.

It is important to understand that since malaria is a blood infection, it can also spread via organ transplant, blood transfusion and the use of infected syringes. In rare cases, it may also be spread from an infected mother to the baby growing within her womb. 

Understanding the Transmission Cycle

• Step one of the transmission cycle: A female Anopheles mosquito feeds on a person with malaria and gets infected with the parasite
• Step two of the transmission cycle: The infected mosquito bites a healthy person and transmits the parasite into the bloodstream
• Step three of the transmission cycle: The parasites, upon entering the bloodstream, start to travel towards the liver. 
• Step four of the transmission cycle: Upon maturation, the parasites infect the red blood cells and trigger symptoms. In some cases, these may remain dormant for a couple of years and then show up.

Who is at Risk of Developing Malaria?

About half of the global population is at risk of developing malaria as per the World Health Organization. The risks are considerably higher in people who belong to areas where malaria is common, or who travel to such areas for work, vacation or any other reason. Malaria is common in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeastern parts of Asia, areas of Central America, Northern regions of South America and the Pacific Islands. 

While some people only develop mild infections, others are susceptible to more severe forms. These include small kids, infants, the elderly, travellers and pregnant women. 

Surprisingly, some people belonging to the dominant areas may gradually develop some sort of immunity to it, as a result of which the disease does not affect them as severely. However, this immunity may not work if they travel to other areas. 

Can Malaria Relapse?

Yes, it is quite possible as some variation of the parasite can remain dormant in the liver for years and show up years later. This is the reason why doctors emphasize thorough assessment and proper treatment.

Is Malaria a Serious Condition?

While not all forms of malaria are serious, some can actually prove to be life-threatening. These are known to give rise to complications like:

• Cerebral malaria, which is marked by swelling in the blood vessels within the brain
• Breathing difficulties due to pulmonary edema, i.e. accumulation of fluids in the lungs
• Organ failure, involving the spleen, liver and kidneys
• Anaemia due to inadequate red blood cells in the body
• Hypoglycemia, due to a significant drop in blood sugar

How is Malaria Diagnosed?

If you are presenting with the symptoms of malaria, doctors will start by asking questions about your symptoms perform a physical examination and recommend a blood test to confirm a diagnosis. If the 1st test does not show malaria, the test needs to be repeated every 12 to 24 hours. Doctors may also recommend other tests such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Complete blood count (CBC) and blood glucose test.

How is Malaria Treated? 

Malaria is generally treated with the help of medication which is prescribed depending on the overall condition of the patient. In case the patient's blood count has significantly lowered, a blood transfusion may be needed. 

Is Malaria Preventable?

Malaria can be easily prevented by taking necessary preventive measures and by avoiding going to places where it is common. Here are a few tips that you may find helpful in preventing malaria. 

• Wear clothes that cover your body properly and avoid wearing short sleeves, sleeveless and shorts. 
• Use insect-repellent creams and lotions, especially when you're planning to go out. Nowadays roll-ons are also available that can be applied to the clothes. 
• Use a net while sleeping as it helps to keep the mosquitoes away. 
• Avoid unnecessary water accumulation around your house by getting rid of useless containers. 
• If you are travelling to an area where there are high risks of malaria, talk to a specialist and start taking the necessary medication to protect you against malaria.