Malaria, a disease caused by parasites and transmitted through mosquito bites, has far-reaching effects beyond its immediate symptoms. It weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off other infections. This weakening can lead to chronic conditions like anaemia and malnutrition, which can have long-term health consequences. This World Malaria Day, Dr Venkat Ramesh, Infectious Disease Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad shares how malaria and chronic illness are associated with eachother.
The Immune System and Malaria
When malaria parasites invade the body, they primarily target the liver and red blood cells. This invasion disrupts the normal functioning of these cells, leading to a weakened immune response. The body struggles to fight off the parasites, and this struggle can leave the immune system compromised even after the initial infection is cleared.
Globally, an estimated 249 million malaria cases occurred in 2022, leading to 608,000 deaths. In India, malaria remains a significant public health issue, with the country accounting for 1.4% of the global malaria case burden. The prevalence of malaria-induced anaemia is particularly high among children and malaria in pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to the disease.
Malaria and Anaemia
Anaemia is a common issue for those who have had malaria. The destruction of red blood cells by the parasites and the body's response to the infection can lead to a significant drop in haemoglobin levels. This drop can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. For children and pregnant women, the impact can be even more severe, affecting growth and development.
Also Read: 5 Proactive Ways to Keep Malaria Away While Pregnant
In regions with high transmission rates, malaria-induced anaemia is particularly prevalent among children and pregnant women. In areas with high transmission, nearly all infants and young children have reduced haemoglobin levels due to malaria. This chronic anaemia can impair physical and cognitive development in children, leading to long-term health consequences.
Malaria and Malnutrition
Malnutrition is another serious consequence of malaria. The disease can cause a loss of appetite and increase the body's nutritional needs, making it difficult for individuals to get the nutrients they need. This can lead to a vicious cycle where malnutrition makes it harder to recover from malaria, and malaria worsens nutritional deficiencies.
Malaria and malnutrition are closely linked, creating a cycle that exacerbates both conditions. Malaria can lead to malnutrition by causing loss of appetite, increasing metabolic demands, and impairing nutrient absorption. Conversely, malnutrition can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to malaria and its complications.
Also Read: Boosting Immunity Naturally: Dietary Tips For Staying Healthy During Malaria Season
The Importance of Post-Malaria Care
While treating the acute phase of malaria is crucial, post-malaria care is equally important for ensuring long-term health. After recovering from malaria, individuals may continue to experience health issues such as anaemia, malnutrition, and weakened immunity. Therefore, comprehensive post-malaria care is essential to address these lingering effects and prevent further complications.
Post-malaria care should include regular monitoring of haemoglobin levels to detect and treat anaemia early. Nutritional support is also vital to help individuals regain their strength and improve their overall health. This can include providing supplements and ensuring access to a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
Moreover, educating communities about the importance of post-malaria care can help reduce the long-term impact of the disease. Health workers should be trained to recognise and manage the chronic effects of malaria, ensuring that patients receive the necessary follow-up care.
Also Read: Malaria vs. Dengue: Understanding the Differences and Protecting Yourself from Both
Conclusion
Malaria's impact extends far beyond its immediate symptoms, affecting the immune system, exacerbating anaemia and malnutrition, and posing long-term health challenges. Understanding these hidden impacts is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to combat malaria and improve public health outcomes. By emphasising the importance of post-malaria care, we can help individuals recover fully and lead healthier lives, ultimately reducing the burden of this devastating disease.
India's efforts to control and eliminate malaria have shown promising results, with a significant decrease in malaria cases and deaths in recent years. However, continued vigilance and comprehensive care are essential to sustain these gains and address the long-term impacts of malaria on chronic diseases. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on holistic care, we can move closer to a malaria-free future and improve the health and well-being of millions worldwide.
Understanding the hidden impacts of malaria is essential for developing effective strategies to combat the disease. By focusing on comprehensive care that includes both treatment and post-recovery support, we can help individuals recover fully and lead healthier lives. This holistic approach is key to reducing the long-term burden of malaria and improving public health.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/php/impact/index.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
https://who.foundation/blogs-post/how-data-can-help-create-a-fairer-malaria-response/
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-018-1177-5
https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-015-0870-5