The weather was cold outside; the mother mosquito had been heavy at the tail end for 2 days. She was low on energy, and the nourishment of her offspring was decreasing. The mosquito took a needle punch, sucked blood from a stout man sleeping in the railway quarters. Then, she flew to the stagnant water of the neighborhood. It was easy for her to deposit eggs on a layer of that polluted water. She counted before flying away. It was 500 in number. With extreme pride, she flew towards the countryside. In a cold atmosphere, the eggs slowly changed and turned into brownish larvae. But an impending danger was swimming around – a small mackerel fish and a dragonfly. They ate 100 each of the larvas. It was heartwrenching for the mother mosquito when it returned, but she was happy another 300 larvae had grown more coiled around and more significant than yesterday. Hours passed, and younger mosquitos slowly emerged out of the bluish-black water. Mother mosquitoes and younger ones had plenty of blood around to feed on, and thus, the mosquitos led a happy, nourished family near their quarters. This is how a malaria journey begins.
Malaria is a life threatening disease sometimes , caused by female anopheles mosquito . Human civilization is closely linked with malaria. Primitive humans considered malaria / “bad air ” was caused by poor atmosphere or due to curse by God . In the 19th century , these theories were replaced by the discovery of the malaria protozoan parasites. Also malaria was called as ague or marsh fever , as its associated with marsh land .
History
Early references to malaria were in English literature in the 18th century, as it was common in Europe & North America. Hippocrates also described periodic fevers, which can also refer to malaria. Scientific studies on malaria made a remarkable entrance in 1880 through Charles Laveran – a French Army doctor working in the military hospital of Algeria. He observed parasites in the red blood cells of infected people and proposed that malaria is caused by this organism.
Epidemiology
Though it’s more prevalent in Europe & North America, it was an epidemic in earlier days, but till 2024, according to WHO, cases have increased, leading to more deaths. About 65% occur in children before 15 years old. Across the world, millions of pregnant women are at risk of malaria each year.
To assess the global limits of disease and to assess disease burden, the Malaria Atlas Project was formulated.
Malaria Atlas Project
MAP is a non profit project funded by medical research council . It provides free accurate up to date information on malaria organized geographically with the help of a unique database derived from medical intelligence and satellite – climate data.
Malaria & India
In 19th & 20th century , people of Punjab & Bengal suffered from malaria. Independence era suffered more malaria cases and to counterfeit the same , National malaria control programme was launched in 1953 , later replaced to National malaria eradication programme.
Larvae, species & Symptoms
There are 5 stages of larva – Sporozoites , schizont , merozoite , trophozoite & gametocyte.
Most of the species are larger / smaller than RBC with oval / round / crescentric shapes.
Ring formed species are P.vivax , P.malariae , P.falciparum and P.ovale
Pathophysiology
Malaria is marked by 2 phases- one involving the liver and another involving red blood cells.
Symptoms
Initial days are marked by flu-like symptoms with sepsis, gastroenteritis, and viral diseases. Generally, every patient will have symptoms like fever with chills & shivering, vomiting, joint pain, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, retinal damage with convulsions & headache.
Treatment
Ayurveda recommends prevention rather than cure. Prevention through a balanced diet, exercise & immunomodulators enhances human beings’ malaria attacks.
Also, herbs used to enhance Ojas / immunity in Ayurveda include:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) & Panchakarma for detoxification. Also for balancing Vata pitta of malaria, nimba & dhanyaka can also be used.
Malaria is a global health challenge. Every year, new strategy is implemented for malaria prevention. Year 2025 April 25 theme is – “Malaria ends with us: RRR (Reinvest, Reimagine & Reignite). Hence its wise to say – “Zero malaria starts with you “, so lets make our body, mind and sorroundings clean & hygienic.
