Malaria: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & More

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a severe mosquito-borne disease caused when Plasmodium parasites are transmitted to a human body by an infected female Anopheles mosquito’s bite. While the country has made an impactful progression in reducing cases, malaria still remains a public health concern in multiple regions.

Once the parasites enter the body, they travel to the liver, where they multiply and infect its cells. After 1 or 2 weeks, they spread into the bloodstream and infect red blood cells. Malaria can range from a mild illness to a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated in time.

How Common is Malaria in India?

Malaria is still fairly common in India, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions where mosquitoes breed easily. Nearly 95% of the population lives in such areas, meaning the risk persists across many parts of the country. States such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and the North-Eastern region of India continue to report higher malaria burden.

The good news is India has made real progress in curbing the disease.The number of malaria cases dropped by nearly 80%, from 11,69,261 to 2,27,564, and deaths fell from 384 to 83 from 2015 to 2023.

However, even with this reduction, malaria is still not completely eradicated and continues to require careful monitoring, especially in areas where the risk remains high.

What are the Symptoms of Malaria?

The severity of symptoms depends on the type of malaria and a person's overall health. Listed below are some of the common signs and symptoms of malaria:

• Body chills

• Fever

• Headache

• General feeling of discomfort

• Diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting

• Body or joint pain

• Fatigue

• Fast heart rate

• Cough

• Rapid breathing

• Abdominal pain

What Causes Malaria?

The following are the main causes of malaria:

• Bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

• Living in or traveling to malaria-prone regions.

• Poor sanitation and stagnant water allow mosquito breeding.

• Lack of mosquito protection, such as bed nets or repellents.

• Transmission through infected blood transfusions.

• Infection through organ transplantation from an infected donor.

• Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.

• A weak immune system, especially in young children, pregnant women, and elderly people.

What are the Complications of Malaria?

Malaria can turn serious if it is not treated on time, leading to damage in different organs, and can even turn life-threatening.

• Severe Anaemia: Due to the destruction of red blood cells by malaria parasites, a person may experience weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pale skin.

• Cerebral Malaria: In some cases, the infection reaches the brain, causing confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and even coma if not treated quickly.

• Breathing Problems: Fluid can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe properly and causing severe respiratory distress.

• Organ Failure: In severe cases, malaria can affect important organs like the liver and kidneys, making them stop working properly.

• Low Blood Sugar: Malaria may cause a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, leading to symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, confusion, and, in severe cases, fainting or unconsciousness.

• Dehydration: High fever, vomiting, and sweating can cause the body to lose too much fluid, making recovery even harder.

• Death in Severe Cases: If malaria is not treated early, especially the severe form, it can lead to complications that become fatal.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

You should consult a doctor in the following scenarios:

• History of recent travel to a malaria-prone region with new illness symptoms.

• High fever, accompanied by chills and bodyache.

• Extreme weakness, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.

• Uncontrolled vomiting or difficulty retaining any fluid.

• Breathing difficulty or chest pain.

• Confusion, drowsiness, or unusual behaviour.

How is Malaria Diagnosed?

Malaria is diagnosed by carefully checking for the parasite in the blood, especially when someone has symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches after being in a mosquito-prone area.

Here are the main ways through which doctors confirm malaria:

• Blood Smear Test (Microscopy): A blood sample is examined under a microscope to detect any malaria parasites. It is considered to be among the most accurate diagnoses available for this disease.

• Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): A quick finger-prick test that detects malaria proteins in the blood. The result typically takes 15-20 minutes to appear.

• PCR Test (Molecular Test): A more advanced lab test that detects the parasites genetic material. It is highly accurate but not always needed for routine cases.

• Clinical Evaluation: Doctors also consider symptoms, travel history, and exposure to mosquito bites to determine whether advanced tests are needed.

• Repeated Testing: If the initial test is negative but suspicion remains high, the test can be repeated after some time.

How is Malaria Managed?

Malaria is managed through timely medical treatment, supportive care, and prevention of complications. The main goal is to kill the malaria parasite in the blood, control symptoms like fever, and prevent the infection from becoming severe.

• Antimalarial Medications: Treatment begins with certain antimalarial drugs that aim to destroy the parasites. Chloroquine is usually used when treating chloroquine-sensitive patients. On the other hand, ACTs (artemisinin-based combination therapies) are preferred in most parts of the world as chloroquine-resistant malaria is very widespread. This form of treatment combines two or more drugs that attack the parasite in different ways, making them more effective against resistant malaria.

• Supportive Care: Controlling fever, maintaining adequate fluid intake, and ensuring proper rest are important for faster recovery.

• Hospital Care: If malaria becomes severe, hospitalisation may be needed for IV medications, oxygen support, and close monitoring.

• Monitoring and Blood Tests: Regular blood tests are important to track parasite levels. As the parasite count drops, it ensures that the current medication is effective.

• Preventing Spread: Patients are advised to avoid mosquito-prone areas to reduce the risk of transmission to others.

• Complete the Full Medication: Completing the prescribed medication course is essential to prevent relapse or drug resistance.

Malaria During Pregnancy

Malaria during pregnancy is a serious condition because it can affect both the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant women have reduced immunity, which makes them more vulnerable to severe malaria infections. It can lead to complications such as high fever, severe anaemia, low birth weight, premature delivery, or, in some cases, miscarriage.

Preventive steps that a pregnant woman should follow to prevent malaria include:

• Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

• Using doctor-approved mosquito repellents.

• Wearing full-sleeved and light-coloured clothing.

• Avoiding outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours.

• Keeping surroundings clean and free from stagnant water.

• Going for regular antenatal check-ups for timely screening and guidance.

Can Malaria Be Reversed?

Yes, malaria can be reversed and cured entirely with early diagnosis and treatment. Doctors typically prescribe antimalarial medicines that kill the parasite in the blood and prevent further spread.

Most people start feeling better within a few days of treatment. The infection is fully cleared only upon completion of the full course of medication. A delay in treatment can lead to complications, but even then, malaria remains curable with the right medical care.

How Can I Prevent Malaria?

Listed below are the top ways that can help you prevent malaria:

• Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially at night.

• Use doctor-approved mosquito repellents on exposed skin.

• Wear full-sleeved clothing and light-coloured clothes, mainly in the evening and night.

• Avoid outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours, like dusk and dawn.

• Keep surroundings clean and ensure there is no stagnant water in containers, coolers, tyres, or pots.

• Use window screens, nets, or mosquito coils when needed.

• Take preventive antimalarial medicines if advised by a doctor.

• Maintain proper community hygiene to reduce mosquito breeding areas.

Does Health Insurance Cover Malaria?

Yes, most health insurance plans in India cover malaria. The treatment requires extensive medical attention and may even need hospitalisation, depending on the severity of the case. Health insurance plans in India usually cover the costs of hospital admission, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and post-hospitalisation care.

A comprehensive health insurance policy provides cashless treatment or reimburses the actual expenses incurred. A critical illness health insurance plan covers it under vector-borne diseases and provides a fixed lump sum payout upon diagnosis. However, the extent of coverage varies from one insurer to another, so it is always advisable to check the specific policy terms.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Malaria Treatment?

The coverage amount of health insurance for malaria would vary depending on the severity of the illness, the type of hospital, and complications arising during treatment.

Uncomplicated malaria cases do not require huge treatment costs and can be managed with a basic policy of up to ₹5 lakh. However, as older people or those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of complications, a higher coverage of approximately ₹10 lakh is recommended for better financial protection.