Interesting Facts About Malaria You Should Know

Malaria Is Caused by a Parasite — Not a Virus or Bacterium

Many people assume malaria is viral or bacterial, but it’s actually caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. There are five main species known to infect humans:

Plasmodium falciparum – the most dangerous and deadly form

• P. vivax – causes relapsing infections
• P. malariae – leads to chronic infections
• P. ovale – less common but recurrent
• P. knowlesi – transmitted from monkeys to humans (zoonotic malaria)

The Life Cycle of Malaria Is Fascinatingly Complex

The malaria parasite has two hosts – humans and mosquitoes.

• When an infected mosquito bites a person, sporozoites enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver.
• There, they mature into merozoites, which invade red blood cells, multiply, and rupture them, releasing more parasites and toxins — causing cycles of fever and chills.
• Some parasites develop into gametocytes, which are taken up by another mosquito, continuing the cycle.

This dual-host life cycle makes malaria one of the most biologically sophisticated infections known.

Malaria Has Shaped Human Evolution

Malaria has existed for thousands of years and has influenced human genetics. People from malaria-endemic regions have developed certain genetic adaptations, such as:

• Sickle cell trait – carriers are more resistant to severe malaria.
• Thalassemia and G6PD deficiency – also confer partial protection.

These genetic traits highlight how malaria has literally evolved alongside humans.

Malaria Once Affected Nearly Every Part of the World

Although now mostly found in Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America, malaria was once common even in Europe and North America. The term “malaria” comes from the Italian “mala aria” — meaning “bad air,” as people believed swamp air caused the disease before the mosquito connection was discovered.

The First Malaria Treatment Came from Tree Bark

The discovery of quinine, derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree, revolutionized malaria treatment in the 17th century. Later, modern derivatives like chloroquine, mefloquine, and artemisinin were developed.

PACE Hospitals follows WHO-approved artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for malaria treatment, ensuring the highest efficacy and minimal resistance.

Diagnosis Has Become Rapid and Accurate

Earlier, malaria was diagnosed only through microscopic blood smears, but now, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can detect malaria antigens within minutes.

At PACE Hospitals, advanced microscopy, antigen-based tests, and PCR are available for precise identification of Plasmodium species, especially in complex or mixed infections.

The Classic Malaria Symptoms Follow a Unique Pattern

Malaria fever typically occurs in cyclic episodes — every 48 to 72 hours, corresponding to red blood cell rupture cycles. Common symptoms include:

• High fever with chills and sweating
• Headache and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and dizziness

In severe cases (P. falciparum), malaria can lead to organ failure, cerebral malaria, or death if untreated.

Malaria Can Be Asymptomatic

Some people, especially in endemic regions, develop partial immunity after repeated exposure. They may carry the parasite without showing symptoms — unknowingly contributing to disease spread.

PACE Hospitals uses screening and community education programs to identify asymptomatic carriers during seasonal outbreaks.

Drug Resistance Is a Major Global Threat

Plasmodium falciparum has developed resistance to multiple drugs, including chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This challenge has led to the development of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the global standard of care.

PACE Hospitals continually updates its treatment protocols based on National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and WHO guidelines.

Malaria Is Preventable with Simple Precautions

Despite its seriousness, malaria prevention is straightforward:

• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
• Apply DEET-based repellents.
• Eliminate stagnant water near homes.
• Wear protective clothing in mosquito-prone areas.

PACE Hospitals emphasizes preventive education, especially before monsoon seasons, when mosquito breeding peaks.

The World’s First Malaria Vaccine Is a Scientific Breakthrough

The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix) — developed by GlaxoSmithKline — is the first approved malaria vaccine. It offers partial protection, especially for children in high-risk areas.

Ongoing research aims to develop second-generation vaccines with higher efficacy and broader coverage.

Malaria Still Affects India Significantly

India accounts for a major portion of Southeast Asia’s malaria burden, though cases have significantly reduced in recent years.

PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, supports the national mission to eliminate malaria by 2030 through early diagnosis, treatment, and awareness drives.

Treatment at PACE Hospitals Hyderabad

PACE Hospitals provides:

• Comprehensive testing (RDT, smear, and PCR)
• 24×7 emergency management for severe malaria cases
• Intensive care for cerebral or complicated malaria
• Personalized follow-up to prevent relapse (especially P. vivax infections)

Malaria Treatment Cost at PACE Hospitals

The cost of malaria treatment at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, ranges between ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 (USD 35 – 180),

depending on the severity, type of infection, hospitalization needs, and medication requirements.

PACE Hospitals offers affordable diagnostic and treatment packages with cashless insurance and online consultations.

Malaria Elimination Is Possible

Through integrated vector control, vaccine research, and improved access to healthcare, the world is closer than ever to eliminating malaria.

PACE Hospitals continues to support India’s malaria-free vision through community education, preventive medicine, and research collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Malaria Facts

How is malaria diagnosed?

Through blood tests such as peripheral smear, rapid antigen test, or PCR — available at PACE Hospitals for accurate species detection.

Is malaria contagious?

No. Malaria cannot spread from person to person directly. It requires transmission via mosquito bites or, rarely, blood transfusion.

Is there a vaccine for malaria?

Yes. The RTS,S (Mosquirix) vaccine provides partial protection and is currently deployed in high-risk regions for children.

Why choose PACE Hospitals for malaria treatment in Hyderabad?

PACE Hospitals offers expert infectious disease specialists, 24×7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and affordable treatment plans for all types of malaria.

General Medicine Department | General Medicine Hospital in Hyderabad