Question 1

Is malaria an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which spread infectious plasmodium parasites into a host.

Question 2

At what stage is the malaria parasite transmitted to humans?

Accepted Answer

Malaria spreads when a mosquito becomes infected with the disease after biting an infected person, and the infected mosquito then bites a noninfected person. Additionally, via the bloodstream, it reaches the liver causing malaria.

Question 3

What are the starting symptoms of malaria?

Accepted Answer

Malaria starts with fever and chills. A few may also experience nausea and rashes. You are recommended to get a blood test done to confirm you have got malaria.

Question 4

Why is malaria not easily diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is not easily diagnosed because the symptoms are similar to viral fever and other diseases. In addition, as it comes under the category endemic hence rapid diagnostic tests are not available to diagnose it instantly in countries such as the US and UK. In India, due to the tropical climate it is more common and hence easily diagnosed.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cerebral malaria?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral malaria is a serious condition.  In adults, cerebral malaria is part of a multi-organ disease. Patients develop fever, headache, body aches, and progressively, delirium and coma.

Question 6

What are some of the signs of malaria?

Accepted Answer

The most prominent signs of malaria are fever and chills. In rare cases, one can also experience rashes and nausea.

Question 7

Can malaria turn to pneumonia if untreated?

Accepted Answer

No, malaria can cause acute respiratory distress. However, it doesn't always turn into pneumonia.

Question 8

What is the treatment for non-severe cases of malaria?

Accepted Answer

For non-severe cases of malaria, one needs to take sugar cane juice and few prescribed medicines to control the infection and recover quickly.

Infectious Disease and related queries

Frequently Asked Questions