Beware of Malaria! Know the Symptoms and Prevention

Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and spread through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. Once inside the body, the parasite attacks red blood cells and can cause high fever, chills, and serious complications. The disease is still a threat in many tropical countries, especially in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium , which enters the human body through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites, the parasite enters the bloodstream and begins to multiply in the liver before attacking red blood cells.

There are five types of Plasmodium that can cause malaria in humans, namely:

  1. Plasmodium falciparum : The most dangerous type that can cause severe malaria and death.
  2. Plasmodium vivax : Can cause recurrent malaria because the parasite can remain “asleep” in the liver and reactivate after several months or years.
  3. Plasmodium ovale : Similar to P. vivax , but less common.
  4. Plasmodium malariae : Develops more slowly but can survive in the body for years.
  5. Plasmodium knowlesi : Mostly infects monkeys but can also be transmitted to humans.

Anopheles mosquitoes are more active in biting at night, especially in tropical and subtropical areas with humid environments such as swamps, rice fields, or forests. Other factors that increase the risk of malaria transmission are poor sanitation, lack of access to health services, and low use of bed nets or antimalarial drugs.

Common Symptoms of Malaria

When someone is bitten by an infected mosquito, malaria symptoms usually appear after 10–15 days. Symptoms can be mild like the common flu, but if left untreated, can become serious.

Here are some common symptoms of malaria:

  1. High fever : Body temperature rises and falls, often accompanied by excessive sweating.
  2. Shivering : The body feels very cold and shivers violently before the fever appears.
  3. Headache : The head feels heavy or throbbing, similar to a migraine.
  4. Nausea and vomiting : Nausea that can make it difficult to eat or drink.
  5. Muscle and joint pain : The body feels weak and sore as if after hard work.
  6. Extreme fatigue : Easily tired and difficulty carrying out normal activities.
  7. Excessive sweating : Usually occurs after the fever subsides.
  8. Diarrhea : In some cases, malaria can also cause digestive problems.

If not treated immediately, malaria can develop into something more severe, causing respiratory problems, seizures, and even coma.

Know the Risk Factors of Malaria

Some factors that increase a person's risk of contracting malaria include:

  1. Age : Children, babies, and pregnant women are more vulnerable because their immune systems are weaker.
  2. Place of residence : People who live in tropical and subtropical areas, especially around swamps, rice fields, or forests, are more at risk because these environments are habitats for malaria or Anopheles mosquitoes.
  3. Lack of health facilities : Areas with limited access to antimalarial drugs, bed nets, or medical services tend to have higher transmission rates.

Malaria Prevention That Can Be Done

Preventing malaria can be done in several simple ways, namely by increasing the body's resistance, avoiding mosquito bites, and maintaining environmental cleanliness.

1. Increase body endurance
 A healthy body is better able to fight off infections, including malaria. Here's how:

  • Eat nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and protein to strengthen the immune system.
  • Get enough sleep and exercise regularly to keep your body fit.
  • Meet your body's water needs to stay hydrated.

2. Avoid Malaria Mosquito Bites
 The Anopheles mosquito that spreads malaria is most active at night. To prevent bites:

  • Use a mosquito net when sleeping, especially in malaria-prone areas.
  • Wear long, covered clothing when doing activities outside the house at night.
  • Use anti-mosquito lotion or spray.
  • Install mosquito nets on windows and doors of the house to prevent malaria mosquitoes from entering.

3. Maintain environmental cleanliness
 Malaria mosquitoes breed in moist, stagnant water. To reduce your risk:

  • Remove or cover standing water around the house, such as in buckets, pots, or old tires.
  • Clean the gutters so that water does not clog and stagnate.
  • Plant mosquito repellent plants such as lavender or lemongrass around the house.

4. Administration of malaria prophylaxis drugs to individuals who will travel to malaria endemic areas.

Malaria is not just a common fever, if left untreated it can be fatal. Therefore, stay alert by implementing preventive measures such as maintaining environmental cleanliness, protecting yourself from malaria mosquito bites, and maintaining your immune system. If you or someone close to you experiences symptoms such as high fever, chills, headaches, or extreme fatigue, do not delay in seeing a doctor. Early detection to get the right care and treatment to recover quickly.

Article written by dr. Angie Shabira Permata H, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Cikarang Hospital).