Jaipur, 24th April, 2026: Despite being a disease that can be prevented and cured, malaria still continues to impact hundreds of thousands of Indians annually. Spread via the bites of 'anopheles' mosquitoes carrying malaria, the disease continues to be a seasonally and geographically bound public health problem in India.
India has achieved great success in fighting against malaria. The number of cases reported annually has dropped by more than 80% since 2015, with about 2.27 lakh cases reported in 2023, accompanied by a considerable decline in deaths. However, nearly 95% of the country's population is living in malaria-prone areas.
Dr Praveen Kanojiya, Additional Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur highlights the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures to combat malaria effectively.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore:
Malaria often begins like a common viral illness but can worsen rapidly if untreated. Key symptoms include:
- High fever with chills and sweating
- Severe headache and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- In severe cases: confusion, seizures or breathlessness
How Is Malaria Diagnosed?
It is imperative to diagnose malaria early to avoid any complications and make sure that the patient recovers fully. Diagnosis of malaria may include:
- Diagnostic Blood Smear Test (Standard test)
- Tests using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT)
- Further laboratory tests in case of complex diagnosis
The “Test, Treat, Track” approach is adopted in India for diagnosing malaria. Anyone who suffers from high fever is advised to visit a doctor.
Treatment Options:
Malaria is treatable if detected early. Treatment depends on the type and severity of infection:
- Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for most cases
- Antipyretics for fever management
- Adequate hydration and supportive care
- Hospitalisation in severe cases, particularly Plasmodium falciparum infections
Who Is at Higher Risk?
- Children under five years
- Pregnant women
- People living in rural, tribal or forested areas
- Individuals with low immunity
- Populations exposed to stagnant water and poor sanitation
Preventive Measures:
- Use mosquito nets, particularly during nighttime hours
- Use mosquito repellents
- Dress in long-sleeved attire
- Avoid standing water around your house
- Practice good sanitation and drainage techniques
- Get tested promptly for any sudden fever
Malaria cannot be classified as merely a seasonal disease. Rather, it poses a major threat to public health and requires continued vigilance. With persistent endeavors, India is inching towards achieving the goal of malaria eradication. This World Malaria Day, don’t ignore a fever. Early testing and timely treatment can save lives.
