Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by infection with the Plasmodium parasite. The types of Plasmodium parasites that can infect the human body include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi. The vector responsible for transmission is the female Anopheles mosquito, which spreads the infection through biting humans. In rare cases, malaria can also be transmitted through the transfusion of blood containing Plasmodium parasites or from mother to child during childbirth, known as congenital or placental malaria.

The general population is susceptible, and although some immunity may develop after infection, it is not long-lasting. Immunity to malaria is specific to the species and strain, showing significant differences depending on the nature of the malaria-endemic region. The incubation period varies for each type of malaria.

Clinically, malaria is characterized by recurrent episodes of intermittent fever, chills, high temperature, followed by profuse sweating. The possibility of relapse exists for severe malaria, vivax malaria, ovale malaria, and malariae, but relapses are only observed in vivax malaria and ovale malaria. Severe malaria cases often have irregular fever patterns and more severe symptoms, including potentially dangerous complications like cerebral malaria.

On June 30, 2021, the World Health Organization declared that China had achieved malaria elimination certification. However, the global situation of malaria remains severe, and China still faces the long-term threat of imported malaria. The risk of local transmission caused by imported malaria has not been eliminated. When traveling to malaria-endemic areas, individuals can take preventive measures such as using insecticide-treated bed nets, insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants, and using residual insecticide spraying to prevent mosquito bites. Upon returning from malaria-endemic areas, especially from the China-Myanmar border region, individuals experiencing symptoms such as chills, fever, sweating, headache, and body aches should suspect malaria infection and seek prompt medical attention. When seeking medical care, it is essential to inform healthcare providers about personal travel history.