How long does it take to recover from malaria?

It depends on various factors such as the severity of the disease, the species of Plasmodium causing the infection, immunity of the patient, and the potential drug resistance of the species. In general, it may take around two weeks for treatment of malaria. Remember, malaria can be a life-threatening condition if not treated in time.

Can malaria come back?

Yes, there are high chances that the symptoms of malaria can relapse if you do not follow the treatment properly or if malaria is caused by either the P. ovale or P. vivax. It is reported that one in seven people with these types of malaria may suffer from relapse. Patients with P. vivax and P. ovale infections who have recovered from the current episode might suffer again after months or even years without showing any symptoms. This is because P. vivax and P. ovale parasites might remain dormant in the liver for years which may reactivate any time, especially when the immunity is low.

What are the 5 types of malaria?

Malaria parasites belong to the genus Plasmodium. In humans, malaria is caused by five different species of the parasite. These are P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. knowlesi. Among these, P. falciparum is the most common one (~75%) followed by P. vivax (~20%)][1]. Malaria in India is mainly caused by P.falciparum and P.vivax although cases of malaria from P.ovale and P.malariae are also reported in some parts of the country. P. vivax is more prevalent in the plains whereas P. falciparum predominates in forested and peripheral areas.

Is malaria contagious?

No, malaria is not contagious and does not spread from one person to person. This means that you do not get malaria by kissing or touching a person suffering from malaria but only when an infected mosquito bites you. It is not a sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and only gets transmitted from mosquitoes to humans.

How is malaria caused?

In most cases, malaria is transmitted when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites you. Anopheles mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, which hatch into larvae, eventually emerging as adult mosquitoes. These adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to nurture their eggs. So if an infected mosquito bites you, you get infected with the parasite and suffer from malaria. Kids and pregnant women are at high risk due to low immunity and high susceptibility. The risk of transmission is high during rains, changing temperature and humidity.

How can I prevent malaria?

The best way to prevent and reduce the transmission of malaria is through vector control (preventing mosquitoes to breed, from entering your home and biting you and your family). This can be achieved by the use of devices to control mosquito entry such as nets, sprays, coils or electric bats.

Is there a vaccine for malaria?

RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) is the first and the only vaccine till date to show partial protection against malaria in young children. It acts against P. falciparum infection. The vaccine is known to prevent approximately 4 in 10 cases of malaria over a period of 4 years.

Malaria

Written By Dr. NaveenkumarMBBS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Malaria is a parasitic infection that spreads when a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites a person. The parasite then attacks the red blood cells, typically causing a high fever with chills, and other symptoms that may develop into life-threatening complications. Hence, timely diagnosis and treatment of malaria are very crucial.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in its Global Report 2019. Malaria poses a major public health problem especially in hot and tropical countries.

The best way to prevent and reduce the transmission of malaria is through vector control which includes preventing mosquitoes from breeding near your surroundings. To achieve this, avoid leaving stagnant water in plants and empty water from old pots, coolers, tyres and potholes on the road. Also use of devices such as nets, sprays, coils or electric bats and mosquito repellent creams is highly advised to prevent mosquito bites.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Celebs affected

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

FAQs

References