Mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases, including malaria. This disease is caused by infection with the Plasmodium sp. parasite, which is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, primarily between dusk and dawn. After entering the body, the parasite multiplies in the liver and then infects red blood cells. Besides mosquito bites, malaria can also be transmitted through shared syringes, contaminated blood transfusions, and from pregnant women to their fetuses (congenital malaria), although these cases are relatively rare.
Globally, there are an estimated 282 million cases of malaria, with approximately 610,000 deaths, in 80 countries by 2024. Africa accounts for approximately 95% of the world's total malaria cases and deaths.
Parasites That Cause Malaria
There are five types of Plasmodium parasites that can cause malaria in humans:
- Plasmodium falciparum (most often causes severe malaria and is potentially fatal)
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium malariae
- Plasmodium knowlesi
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections are the most frequently found causes of malaria in Indonesia.
Malaria Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of suffering from malaria, namely:
- Children under 5 years of age and the elderly
- Pregnant women
- Living or traveling to endemic areas, especially tropical and subtropical regions
- Not using mosquito protection
- Having a weakened immune system
- Limited access to health facilities
Malaria Symptoms
Symptoms of malaria generally include:
- High fever that occurs periodically
- Severe shivering
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Excessive sweating after the fever phase
- Feeling weak
In severe cases, malaria can cause serious symptoms, such as:
- Extreme fatigue
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Recurrent seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Dark or bloody urine
- Abnormal bleeding
Malaria Treatment
Current malaria treatment no longer relies on chloroquine as the primary therapy due to the high rate of Plasmodium resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health recommend the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). This therapy combines two or more antimalarial drugs with different mechanisms of action to increase treatment effectiveness and prevent resistance.
Malaria Complications
Malaria that is not treated immediately can cause serious complications, such as:
- Severe anemia
- Cerebral malaria
- Organ failure (kidney, liver, spleen)
- Respiratory disorders such as pulmonary edema
- Nervous system damage
- Death
Malaria Prevention
Prevention of this disease can be done in several ways, namely:
- Increase your immune system
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping
- Use mosquito lotion or repellent
- Install wire mesh on house vents
- Wear closed clothing when doing activities at night\
- Avoid outdoor activities at night in endemic areas
- Maintain a clean environment and avoid standing water
- Cover unused water containers
Malaria can cause health problems and even death. However, by implementing preventive measures and seeking early screening when experiencing malaria symptoms, you can prevent the disease from worsening and further complications.
Reference:
1. Staff of Kemenkes RI. Kenali Apa itu Malaria: Gejala, Pencegahan dan Pengobatan. Kemenkes RI. Last reviewed: May 16, 2024. Available at: https://ayosehat.kemkes.go.id/apa-itu-malaria
2. Malaria. Alodokter. Last reviewed: March 9, 2026. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/malaria
3. Staf WHO. Malaria. World Health Organization (WHO). Last reviewed: December 4, 2025. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria