Malaria is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and caused by Plasmodium parasites. It continues to be a significant public health issue in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Despite substantial progress in raising awareness and improving treatment, myths and misconceptions about malaria persist. These misunderstandings can lead to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate prevention measures, and preventable complications. As we work towards eliminating malaria, it is essential to distinguish between fact and fiction. All you need to know from the expert Dr. Rajib Paul, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
MYTH 1: MALARIA SPREADS FROM PERSON TO PERSON
Truth: Malaria is not contagious. You cannot catch malaria by touching, kissing, or sharing food with someone who is infected. It is transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. In rare cases, malaria can be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplants, or from mother to foetus, but direct person-to-person transmission does not occur.
MYTH 2: YOU CAN ONLY GET MALARIA IN RURAL OR FORESTED AREAS
Truth: While rural and forested regions may have higher mosquito density, urban areas are not immune. Poor drainage, stagnant water, and unplanned urban development provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes even in cities. With a changing climate and increased travel, malaria transmission is becoming more unpredictable, crossing urban-rural boundaries.
MYTH 3: MALARIA IS NOT A SERIOUS DISEASE AND CAN BE TREATED AT HOME
Truth: Malaria is potentially life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Certain types of malaria, especially Plasmodium falciparum, can cause severe complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney failure, or even death. Self-medication without proper diagnosis can be dangerous, and relying on herbal remedies or over-the-counter drugs may delay effective treatment.
MYTH 4: ONCE YOU GET MALARIA, YOU’RE IMMUNE FOR LIFE
Truth: Immunity to malaria is not lifelong. Any immunity acquired through previous exposure can wane over time, especially in people who leave endemic areas. Even those who have had malaria multiple times can get reinfected. No one is completely immune, and preventive measures should never be ignored.
MYTH 5: MOSQUITOES BITE ONLY AT NIGHT, SO YOU’RE SAFE DURING THE DAY
Truth: The Anopheles mosquito that transmits malaria typically bites between dusk and dawn, but activity can vary. Relying solely on the time of day to determine risk is risky. Protecting yourself during the evening and at night with bed nets, repellents, and covered clothing remains crucial.
MYTH 6: ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS ARE DANGEROUS AND UNNECESSARY
Truth: Modern antimalarial medications are safe when prescribed by healthcare professionals. Side effects are generally mild and manageable. In malaria-prone areas or while travelling, prophylactic drugs can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding them out of fear or misinformation could result in preventable illness.
MYTH 7: ONLY CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY ARE AT RISK
Truth: While children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly are more vulnerable to severe forms of malaria, anyone can contract the disease regardless of age. Travellers from non-endemic regions are especially at risk due to a lack of immunity.
To effectively protect against malaria, it’s important to follow evidence-based prevention strategies:
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets, especially while sleeping.
- Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin.
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Take prescribed antimalarial medication when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Seek medical help promptly at the first sign of fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.
Awareness campaigns and public health interventions have significantly reduced malaria cases in recent years. However, busting persistent myths is equally important to sustaining this progress and empowering individuals with correct knowledge.
In conclusion, combating malaria is not just about medication — it’s about mindset. Dispelling myths, embracing science, and promoting accurate information will be vital in our fight to make malaria history.
