Malaria is a significant public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical regions such as parts of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
What is malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which are mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
It is important to note that malaria is not transmitted directly from person to person; however, in addition to mosquito bites, it can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, although these are less common.
The difference between the terms paludismo and malaria lies mainly in regional usage. For example, the word malaria is more commonly used in English or in scientific literature, while paludismo is more frequently used in Spanish-speaking countries.
Malaria, symptoms
Malaria symptoms can vary in severity depending on the Plasmodium species—there are five variants—as well as on the patient’s immune system and the speed with which treatment begins.
Generally, initial symptoms appear between seven and 30 days after the mosquito bite and include:
- Fever: one of the most characteristic signs, which may be intermittent or constant.
- Chills: often accompany the fever.
- Excessive sweating: may occur when the fever subsides.
- Headache: ranging from moderate to severe.
- Weakness: usually perceived as fatigue or weakness due to the destruction of red blood cells.
- Muscle and joint pain: similar to that of severe flu.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: frequently present in more advanced cases.
In addition to these common symptoms, severe cases may develop severe anemia, cerebral involvement leading to seizures, confusion, or coma (known as cerebral malaria), kidney or liver failure, and respiratory distress associated with pulmonary edema.
Malaria can be fatal if not treated promptly, especially in children under five years old, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis of malaria
Early and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential to start appropriate treatment and prevent serious complications.
The most commonly used method consists of directly observing parasites in a blood sample under a microscope. Rapid diagnostic tests also exist that detect specific parasite antigens in the patient’s blood, though these are less precise; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are more accurate but more expensive.
Serological tests are useful for detecting past infections but not for diagnosing active cases.
Once malaria is diagnosed, treatment must begin with two objectives: to cure the infection and to prevent complications.
Drug therapy is used to treat both uncomplicated and severe malaria, but the choice of medication will depend on the severity of the case and the specific parasite causing the disease.
Once the parasite has been eradicated, treatment must also focus on preventing relapses and targeting latent forms of the parasite in the liver.
Although malaria remains a serious disease in many parts of the world, with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures, its impact on people’s health can be significantly reduced.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
