Interesting Facts About Malaria You Should Know

Overview

Malaria is one of the world's oldest and most persistent infectious diseases, caused by Plasmodium parasites and spread through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria continues to harm millions of people around the world, despite the fact that it is both preventable and curable.

At PACE Hospitals in Hyderabad, our internal medicine, infectious disease, and critical care specialists use evidence-based care, advanced laboratory testing, and public awareness campaigns to deliver complete malaria diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

This article uncovers interesting scientific, historical, and medical facts about malaria, alongside expert insights from PACE Hospitals on its management and prevention.

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 malaria parasite has two hosts – humans and mosquitoes.

• When an infected mosquito bites someone, sporozoites enter their 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 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.

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"—because people believed swamp air caused the disease before the mosquito connection was discovered.

In the 17th century, the discovery of quinine, derived from Cinchona tree bark, transformed malaria treatment. Modern derivatives such as chloroquine, mefloquine, and artemisinin have since been produced.

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

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.

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

Malaria, particularly P. falciparum, can cause organ failure, cerebral malaria, or death if left untreated.

Following repeated exposure, some persons, especially those living in endemic areas, develop partial immunity. They may carry the parasite without exhibiting any symptoms, unknowingly contributing to disease transmission.

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