World Malaria Day 2025: Causes, symptoms and treatment tips for this mosquito-borne disease

Symptoms of malaria: Headaches are common, as are digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Some may also suffer from abdominal pain and muscle or joint aches (Image: Canva)

Malaria is a life-threatening illness that is caused by a parasite that enters the body through the bite of an infected mosquito. It’s symptoms, like fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue, can easily be mistaken for something less severe, like the flu. Without proper treatment, malaria can quickly become dangerous, even fatal.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once infected, the parasite multiplies in the liver before entering the bloodstream and attacking red blood cells.

Symptoms of malaria:

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As per CDC, the disease doesn’t always appear immediately after a mosquito bite. It can take days or even weeks before symptoms surface. Malaria often begins with flu-like symptoms that can escalate quickly if left untreated. People may experience fever and chills, often in cycles, along with a general feeling of discomfort or malaise. Headaches are common, as are digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Some may also suffer from abdominal pain and muscle or joint aches, which add to the feeling of fatigue.

As the body tries to fight the infection, rapid breathing and an increased heart rate can occur, and in some cases, a persistent cough may develop. These symptoms, while seemingly general, should never be ignored—especially after travel to or residence in a malaria-prone area.

These symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or other viral infections. Hence, seeking medical help promptly is essential when these symptoms appear.

When caught early, malaria is treatable with medications called antimalarials. But prevention is always better than cure. The CDC recommends a combination of strategies for protection, especially for people living in or traveling to malaria-prone areas.

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Cure for malaria:

• Use insect repellents: Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus help keep mosquitoes away.
• Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets: These nets are one of the most effective tools for malaria prevention at night.
• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and full length bottoms reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours: Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes are most active.
• Take preventive medication when travelling: For travellers visiting high-risk regions, antimalarial pills should be taken before, during, and after the trip as advised by a doctor.
• Drain stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in still water. Removing these breeding grounds around your home can help reduce mosquito populations.