Source: World Health Organization

Malaria

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000. Most of the cases are found in countries like India, Brazil, Kenya, Somalia.

About

Diagnosis

Prognosis

Plasmodium parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Effective vector control and the use of preventive antimalarial drugs are being used to prevent Malaria. Since October 2021, WHO also recommends broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.

All suspected cases of malaria can be confirmed using parasite-based diagnostic testing through either microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test.

The best available treatment, particularly for P. falciparum malaria, is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). The primary objective of treatment is to ensure the rapid and full elimination of Plasmodium parasites to prevent an uncomplicated case of malaria from progressing to severe disease or death.