Malaria is a deadly illness caused by parasites transmitted through bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is both preventable and treatable. Among the five parasite species that cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most dangerous.
Approximately half of the world’s population was at risk of malaria in 2020, with most cases and deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. However, significant numbers of cases and deaths were also reported in the South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and Americas regions.
In 2021, it was estimated that 247 million people had malaria, with 619,000 deaths resulting from the illness. The burden of malaria is heavily concentrated in the WHO African Region, with the region accounting for 95% of cases and 96% of deaths in 2020.
Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria, with almost 80% of all malaria deaths in the WHO African Region occurring in this age group in 2021.
Symptoms
Malaria is a feverish sickness that typically manifests in non-immune individuals 10 to 15 days following an infective mosquito bite. The early symptoms, such as fever, headache, and chills, may be mild and difficult to detect as malaria. If left untreated for more than 24 hours, Plasmodium falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and even result in death.
Severe malaria in children is frequently characterized by severe anemia, respiratory distress related to metabolic acidosis, or cerebral malaria. Meanwhile, multi-organ failure is common in adults. People living in malaria endemic regions may develop partial immunity, which allows asymptomatic infections to arise.
Certain populations are more likely to contract malaria and develop severe symptoms than others. These groups include infants, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, individuals with HIV/AIDS, as well as non-immune migrants, mobile populations, and travelers. National malaria control programs must implement specific measures to safeguard these groups from malaria infection, considering their unique circumstances.
Treatment
Malaria is a disease that can be avoided and treated. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can decrease the severity of the disease, prevent deaths, and help reduce its transmission. The most effective treatment, especially for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, is a combination of artemisinin-based drugs known as artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Antimalarial drugs can also be used as a preventative measure against malaria.
For individuals traveling to regions or countries where malaria is prevalent, taking medication to prevent malaria, called chemoprophylaxis, can help suppress the blood stage of the infection and prevent the onset of the disease. Before traveling, it is recommended that individuals seek advice from their national disease control centers or other travel advisory institutions to obtain information on the appropriate preventive measures that should be taken.
