World Malaria Day

Q: What are the five causes of malaria?

Malaria is primarily caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites spread through Anopheles mosquito bites. Other contributing causes include poor sanitation, stagnant water, lack of mosquito control, weak immunity, and living in tropical or subtropical regions where mosquitoes thrive year-round, increasing transmission risk significantly.

Q: What are the five causes of malaria?

Malaria is primarily caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites spread through Anopheles mosquito bites. Other contributing causes include poor sanitation, stagnant water, lack of mosquito control, weak immunity, and living in tropical or subtropical regions where mosquitoes thrive year-round, increasing transmission risk significantly.

Few Facts about Malaria

Bites from infected mosquitoes cause malaria, a potentially deadly disease
Malaria is endemic; right now it is prevalent in 90 countries
Malaria affects 200 crore people/ year
12.5 International tourists are at risk of Malaria
Bites from infected mosquitoes cause malaria, a potentially deadly disease.
It is the Female Anopheles mosquitoes that spread the Plasmodium parasite through their saliva, which causes malaria.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the projected figure for fatalities resulting from malaria was 619,000 in the year 2021.
The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. The Region accounted for 95% of reported malaria cases and 96% of malaria-related fatalities in the year 2021. Approximately 80% of all malaria-related fatalities in the Region were attributed to individuals under the age of 5.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by infected mosquito bites.

Is Malaria Fatal?

Malaria has been one of humanity’s greatest scourges for millennia. While malaria is not contagious, anyone can get it. It is a treatable and preventable infectious disease. In the worst cases, malaria can cause serious complications like cerebral malaria or even multiple organ failure. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travelers, and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection.

Prevention of Malaria

Take the recommended prophylactic drugs while you travel.
A single mosquito bite is enough to transmit malaria infection. Adequate protection against mosquito bites is crucial. Mosquito bites can be avoided by taking simple precautions like wearing covered clothing, using a mosquito net, and applying insect repellent.
An insect repellent should be used on the skin. It needs to be re-applied frequently. Mosquito repellents are available in sprays, roll-ons, and creams.
Additionally, covered clothing deters bites. Particularly in the early evening and at night, when mosquitoes prefer to feed, loose-fitting pants and shirts with long sleeves are preferred to shorts. Put on socks, long pants, blouses, and long-sleeved shirts.
It is advisable to refrain from sleeping outdoors or in close proximity to mosquito-prone habitats such as stagnant water bodies (e.g. puddles, waste dumps), and keep your door closed at all times.
Malaria is a disease that can be prevented and treated. The prevention of malaria necessitates a significant emphasis on awareness and precautionary measures, particularly prior to embarking on a trip to a malaria-endemic region.
Utilize the mosquito control measures implemented in your locality, including the application of insecticides, inspection of stagnant water, and removal of puddles in the vicinity of your residence.
It is advisable to refrain from visiting regions that are currently experiencing a malaria epidemic.
It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly upon observing any symptoms of malaria.

It’s important to remember that there is no fail-safe method of prevention. Avoiding mosquito bites is the best defense against malaria. Our team of doctors at Prashanth Hospitals will offer comprehensive travel advice and country-specific recommendations prior to your trip.

To know more about Malaria from the expert Dr. Ananthakrishnan C.M.D (Int. Med), FGID (CMC), CCEBDM, Consultant – Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases at Prashanth Hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions

World Malaria Day is celebrated on April 25th to raise awareness about malaria prevention, control, and eradication. It highlights global efforts to reduce malaria deaths, promote early diagnosis, and encourage governments to strengthen healthcare systems, research, and vector control strategies for a malaria-free world.

Use mosquito nets treated with insecticides, apply mosquito repellents, and wear long-sleeved clothing. Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Indoor spraying and preventive antimalarial medicines for travelers or high-risk groups also help. Consistent protection and hygiene are key to breaking malaria transmission cycles effectively.

The main objective of malaria control programs is to prevent infection, reduce transmission, and eliminate the disease. Efforts focus on mosquito control, early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and public awareness. The ultimate global goal is total eradication to save lives and improve community health outcomes.

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The main species infecting humans are Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Among them, P. falciparum causes the most severe and potentially fatal form of malaria.

Malaria is primarily caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites spread through Anopheles mosquito bites. Other contributing causes include poor sanitation, stagnant water, lack of mosquito control, weak immunity, and living in tropical or subtropical regions where mosquitoes thrive year-round, increasing transmission risk significantly.