Overview

Malaria is a deadly disease caused due to a parasite transmitted by certain mosquitoes in warm climates.

The parasites that cause malaria attack the red blood cells, causing high fever, shaking chills, and additional symptoms that may develop into life-threatening complexities.

Malaria is a notable threat to human health across India and causes illness and death.

Symptoms

It mostly takes ten days to four weeks for symptoms to develop if a person is infected with malaria. But some people may develop symptoms a year after infection. Symptoms of malaria are usually similar to the flu symptoms and may include the following:

• Fever
• Shaking chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Profound weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Cough

Some people with malaria experience cycles of attacks of one or more symptoms mentioned above, and then they return to average body temperature. Each cycle typically lasts for six to ten hours. A physical examination of malaria may show:

• High body temperature
• Enlarged spleen
• Mild jaundice 
• Enlarged liver
• Increased respiratory rate

The disease may go unrecognized in rare malaria cases because its symptoms are often similar to other infections.

Treatment

The treatment of malaria depends on the infection, the parasite causing malaria, and the severity of symptoms, among other determinants.

A specific course of drugs is recommended based on the parasite causing malaria, the severity of the condition, age, and pregnancy. Usually prescribed medications for prevention and treatment of malaria comprise: 

• Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs): combination medicines designed to combat malaria parasites in different ways.
• Chloroquine: Various parasites are now resistant to it. However, this medication is favored sometimes when it's likely to be effective.

Other drugs that are less commonly used are:

• Malarone 
• Vibramycin or Monodox 
• Mefloquine
• Primaquine

Fact sheet:

Frequency: Close to a billion people are at high risk of being infected with malaria in India. India bears 2% of the malaria cases and 2% of malaria fatalities globally. 

PGC Resolution: Tracking and protecting people infected with malaria. Fighting malaria by taking measures to prevent, diagnose and treat those affected.