Malaria

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. It is a life-threatening condition, particularly in young children and pregnant women.

Conventional treatment for malaria primarily involves antimalarial medications, with the specific drug and duration depending on the type of malaria, its severity, and where the infection was acquired. In some regions, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are a common approach. Supportive care may also be provided to manage symptoms like fever and dehydration.

With prompt and appropriate treatment, most people with malaria are able to recover fully. However, without treatment, or if the infection is severe, malaria can be fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.

• Plasmodium falciparum

  Found worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. This type can cause the most severe malaria and is responsible for most malaria-related deaths.

• Plasmodium vivax

  Mainly found in Asia and Latin America. This type causes less severe symptoms but can stay dormant in the liver and cause relapses months or years later.

• Plasmodium ovale

  Fairly uncommon and usually found in West Africa. It can also remain dormant in the liver for months or years before causing symptoms.

• Plasmodium malariae

  This type is found worldwide but is less common. It can cause a long-lasting, chronic infection that may persist for a lifetime if untreated.

• Plasmodium knowlesi

  Found primarily in Southeast Asia. It has a short life cycle and can rapidly progress from an uncomplicated to a severe infection.