Malaria: Symptoms, cause, treatment and insurance

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites, which can also be potentially life-threatening. According to a recent WHO report, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases globally. The disease led to 608,000 deaths in 85 countries. India accounted for 1.4% of the global cases and 0.9% of deaths by malaria. The disease spreads when a mosquito infected by the parasite bites you. The disease is more common in hot and humid areas. While malaria is treatable if detected early, it is crucial to understand the disease and take preventive measures in advance.

The article will look at malaria symptoms, causes, treatment and the availability of health insurance for malaria patients.

Malaria Symptoms

Malaria symptoms may take 10 to 15 days to appear after infection. Here are some common signs of the disease:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Diarrhoea
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

Causes Of Malaria 

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. When a non-infected mosquito bites a person with malaria, the mosquito gets infected with the parasite. When this infected mosquito bites you, it transmits the parasites to you. These parasites travel to your liver, where some types can remain dormant for up to a year, before eventually entering your bloodstream. This is when you start showing malaria symptoms. Although rare, malaria can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their child before or during birth. Other uncommon transmission methods include blood transfusions, organ donations, and needle sharing.

Diagnosing Malaria

Your doctor might ask about your symptoms and medical history. This may be followed by a physical exam and blood tests. Your blood report will tell the doctor if you have been infected with the malaria parasite, the type of parasite, and the medications that will work for you. Due to low parasite density, the disease may be undetectable in the initial period. So, you may have to get up to three blood tests done to rule out malaria.

Malaria Treatment Options

Your doctor will prescribe medications as a part of your malaria treatment. These medications will depend on the type of parasite you are infected with. Other medicines may also be prescribed depending on your symptoms and their severity. Malaria is a curable disease. So, if you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, please seek medical attention. Once diagnosed, you should begin treatment immediately under the care of a proficient doctor. If you delay treatment, it may lead to complications like fluid accumulation in the lungs, seizures, coma, organ failure and, in extreme cases, the disease could be fatal.

Prevention Of Malaria 

Taking precautions can significantly reduce the chances of you getting malaria. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid mosquito bites:

• Protect your skin by wearing full-length clothes. Keep your shirts and tops tucked in.
• Use registered mosquito repellents on your exposed skin. For added protection, you can use mosquito repellents specially formulated for clothes.
• Use a bed net to keep the insects away while you are sleeping.
• Use window and door screens.

WHO-recommended vaccines are being registered in Africa. In India, however, the lack of an effective vaccine is due to malaria being caused by a mix of different parasites rather than a single specific one.

Health Insurance For Malaria Patients

If you are hospitalised for malaria treatment, your health insurance provider should typically cover the hospitalisation charges. For example, the insurance provider can cover room rent, treatment, medicine and diagnostic test costs.

If you get treated at a network hospital, the insurer will settle the bills with the hospital. If you get treated at a non-network hospital, inform the insurer about the emergency hospitalisation. After discharge, you can raise a claim with documents like reports, discharge summary and bills.

For comprehensive coverage, consider add-ons for your existing health insurance policy. Many insurers offer add-ons for vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, which can cover pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. If you live in a high-risk area, purchasing additional coverage can protect you from the financial burden of malaria treatment.

Key Takeaways

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, headache and nausea. Seeking prompt treatment is crucial, as malaria is treatable. Health insurance for malaria patients can cover hospitalisation costs, providing financial support during treatment. For comprehensive protection, investing in additional coverage for vector-borne diseases is advisable, ensuring peace of mind against potential health risks. Consider using PhonePe to find health insurance plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including protection against malaria and other vector-borne diseases.