Malaria Remains a Major Health Threat: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Malaria continues to pose a serious health risk across many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year if not detected and treated early.

Causes
Malaria is primarily spread when an infected mosquito bites a person, injecting the parasite into the bloodstream. The disease can also, though rarely, be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during pregnancy. Poor sanitation, stagnant water, and inadequate mosquito control measures increase the risk of malaria outbreaks.

Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 30 days after infection and may include high fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, and organ failure. Because symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.

Prevention
Preventing malaria involves a combination of personal protection and environmental control. Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water around homes are effective measures. Health authorities also recommend taking preventive medication, especially for people traveling to high-risk areas. Community awareness campaigns and regular spraying of mosquito breeding sites can further reduce transmission.

Effects if Not Treated Early
If malaria is left untreated, it can rapidly become life-threatening. Severe malaria may cause anemia, kidney failure, cerebral malaria, or death. Children under five, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Early treatment with antimalarial drugs is therefore essential to reduce complications and save lives.

Experts emphasize that malaria is preventable and treatable, and public education, coupled with government-led mosquito control programs, is key to reducing its impact on communities.