Key words:
Malaria, Mosquito-borne disease, Plasmodium parasites, Summer rise in malaria cases, Symptoms of malaria, Complications of malaria, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), World Health Organization (WHO), Preventive measures, vaccination for malaria
Introduction:
During summer, malaria cases spike in the general population. To prevent malaria, the general population must take precautionary measures. Malaria is commonly seen in people from all age groups. It is the need of the hour to seek timely intervention and reduce the chances of complications.
Malaria is one of the persistent public health challenges, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. However, currently, scientific advances and updated protocols have brought new hope in the fight against this mosquito-borne disease and improved the quality of life. With improved treatments, stricter surveillance strategies, and the development of effective vaccines, experts will now be able to manage and reduce malaria cases. It’s important to understand the latest protocols, treatments, and vaccination developments for malaria. Timely intervention will help improve patient outcomes.
Malaria cases tend to rise in summer as the majority of people spend time outdoors. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions, that is, Africa, Asia, and South America. Five species of Plasmodium parasites can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi.
The risk factors include living or traveling in malaria-endemic areas, lack of preventive measures like bed nets or repellents, weak immunity, and failure to take anti-malarial preventive medication during travel. The symptoms of it are high fever, chill, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain, and even diarrhoea.
The complications linked to malaria are severe anemia, cerebral malaria (affecting the brain, leading to seizures or coma), organ failure (kidneys, liver, and lungs), low blood sugar (especially in pregnant women or children), and breathing problems. Malaria can be prevented, but it has now become a matter of concern across India. With early diagnosis, effective treatment, malaria can be controlled.
Recent developments in malaria include the rollout of two WHO-approved vaccines that are RTS, S/AS01 and the newer R21/Matrix-M, both showing promise in reducing severe cases in children. Researchers are also working on exploring triple-drug therapies to combat resistance to current treatments. Early detection remains crucial in malaria control. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have become more widespread and accurate, enabling experts in remote areas to quickly identify infections. Moreover, new molecular surveillance tools allow health authorities to monitor resistance patterns and parasite mutations more effectively.
The standard protocol for malaria includes prompt diagnosis using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy, followed by treatment based on the type of parasite for malaria.
The treatment: Recent advancements in malaria treatment include the development of MED6-189, a novel drug effective against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, showing promise in preclinical studies. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, has been recommended by the WHO.
New Vaccine Developments: In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the widespread use of the RTS, S/AS01 (brand name Mosquirix) vaccine for children living in regions with moderate to high transmission. A second vaccine called R21/Matrix-M, developed by Oxford University, has received approval in several African countries.
Preventive measures for malaria: Individuals should use mosquito nets and repellents, avoid venturing out in the evening, wear full-sleeved clothes, ensure that there is no water stagnation near the house, and do fogging regularly. Everyone must take charge of their health and seek timely treatment without any delay.
Conclusion:
With advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination, the fight against malaria is becoming more hopeful. Remember, early intervention, preventive measures, and awareness are essential factors in controlling and tackling malaria.
References
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/malaria#tab=tab_1
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15014-malaria
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351184
- https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/q-a-on-rts-s-malaria-vaccine
- https://www.who.int/news/item/02-10-2023-who-recommends-r21-matrix-m-vaccine-for-malaria-prevention-in-updated-advice-on-immunization#:~:text=The%20R21%20vaccine%20is%20the,have%20high%20public%20health%20impact.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15014-malaria
