Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is caused when a malaria-infected mosquito(plasmodium parasite) bites a healthy person. This is not a very common illness but can be easily treated with medications. World Malaria Day is celebrated every year on 25th April to spread awarness regarding this mosquito-borne illness. This is to make people understand the need to keep their surroundings clean to avoid breeding fo mosquitoes. Onlymyhealth reached out to Dr. Dilip Gude, Senior Consultant Physician, Hyderabad to ask some frequently-asked questions about malaria. This would help you in becoming informed about this disease and take necessary steps for prevention.
Can malaria happen twice?
This is the most searched query whether a person can get infected with malaria multiple times in their life. Well, yes this is possible but not everywhere. It depends on the area you live. Accordin to Dr. Gude, in endemic or hyperendemic areas malaria can occur multiple times in the same individual. So, if you live in a region where malaria risk is high, you must keep yourself protected as you can get this illness multiple times.
Can malaria spread from person to person?
Malaria spread from person to person is definitely possible when they live in the same vicinity allowing mosquito bites and transfer of malarial parasite- Plasmodium. Which means that if someone in the family has got infected with malaria, it can transmit to people living with them under one roof. So, precaution is extremely important.
Also Read: The Difference Between Dengue, COVID and Malaria
What are the 3 stages of malaria
Malarial parasites usually infect in three stages. They attack the liver cells first,then the blood cells and finally become gametes which then get transmitted to mosquitos and to other humans via mosquito bites.
"The malaria paroxysm of clinical presentation comprises three successive stages. The first is a 15-to-60 minute cold stage characterized by shivering and a feeling of cold. Next comes the 2-to-6 hour hot stage, in which there is fever, sometimes reaching 41°C, flushed, dry skin, and often headache, nausea, and vomiting. Finally, there is the 2-to-4 hour sweating stage during which the fever drops rapidly and the patient sweats," tells Dr. Gude.
Can malaria cause death?
Have you ever wondered if a person infected with malaria can die of the disease? Doctor explains that death from malaria although rare is possible from various serious types such as cerebral malaria, Algid malaria etc when prompt treatment is not given. In a nutshell, if you do not receive treatment of malaria on time, the complications caused by this illness can take your life. Malaria can get dangerous depending upon the health of the patient. If someone with an immuno-compromised system gets malaria can fail to seek treatment on time, he/she may die. So, do not take malaria lightly as this can be life-threatening.
Also Read: Malaria can now be detected using a life-saving light beam
How long does malaria stay in your system?
Malarial parasite can stay in one's body for a long time being dormant in the liver (hypnozoites). This mainly depends on the type of malarial parasite you are infected with as the most dangerous type is Plasmodium falciparum. This parasite remains in the body of the person for months without causing any symptoms! Yes, this sounds weird but the person infected with this malarial parasite do not know that he/she has malaria which can be really dangerous. Such people are at a higher risk of suffering from life-threatening effects of malaria.
Conclusion
Malaria is common but many people do not know the dark side of this illness. It is more than just a mosquito-borne illness that will be treated within days. If you do not get tested for it on time, it may cause complications. Thus, it is extremely important to take necessary precautions during peak season of malaria.
Image credits- freepik
