Mosquito Menace to Malaria-Free Mission

25 Apr Mosquito Menace to Malaria-Free Mission

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of the Mosquito Menace to the Malaria-Free Mission.

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GS-3-Science and technology- Mosquito Menace to Malaria-Free Mission

FOR PRELIMS

What is malaria? Explain its causes and the role of Anopheles mosquitoes in its transmission.

FOR MAINS

What preventive measures can be taken to reduce malaria transmission in endemic regions?

Why in the News? 

India’s significant progress in malaria control was highlighted at the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination, where Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India is the only high-burden, high-impact country in the South-East Asia Region to report a decline in malaria cases in 2020 compared to 2019. Between 2015 and 2022, India witnessed an 85.1% decline in malaria cases and an 83.36% decline in malaria-related deaths, showcasing its strong commitment to malaria elimination. The conclave was attended by health leaders from multiple Asia-Pacific countries and WHO-SEARO representatives, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in combating malaria.

What is malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and is both preventable and curable. In 2023, there were 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally, with the WHO African Region accounting for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. Children under five are the most vulnerable, making up 76% of malaria deaths. Symptoms range from fever and chills to severe complications like seizures and breathing difficulty. WHO recommends vaccines like RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M for children in high-risk areas. Prevention includes using bed nets, indoor spraying, and antimalarial medicines.

Causes of malaria

1. Plasmodium Parasites: Malaria is caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites—mainly P. falciparum (most deadly) and P. vivax (most widespread outside Africa).
2. Mosquito Bites: The disease spreads through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, primarily active during dusk and dawn.
3. Contaminated Blood Transfusions: Malaria can also be transmitted through the transfusion of infected blood, though this is rare.
4. Shared Needles: Using syringes or needles contaminated with infected blood can spread malaria.
5. Mother to Child: In rare cases, malaria can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby before or during delivery (congenital malaria).
6. Parasite Lifecycle: Once inside the body, parasites travel to the liver, mature, and then infect red blood cells, causing symptoms.
7. Environmental Factors: Stagnant water bodies, poor sanitation, and high humidity create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
8. Travel to Endemic Areas: People travelling to or living in malaria-prone regions without preventive measures are at higher risk.

Anopheles Mosquito

The Anopheles mosquito is the primary vector responsible for transmitting malaria to humans. Only female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit the Plasmodium parasites, as they require blood meals to develop their eggs. These mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn and breed in clean, stagnant water sources such as ponds, rice fields, and water storage containers. There are over 400 species of Anopheles, but around 30 are considered major malaria vectors worldwide. One significant species, Anopheles stephensi, originally native to South Asia, is now spreading in urban areas of Africa, posing new challenges to malaria control. Anopheles mosquitoes are also becoming increasingly resistant to common insecticides, making vector control efforts more difficult. Understanding their behaviour and breeding patterns is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and larval source management.

Signs and Symptoms 

Signs and Symptoms 

Malaria symptoms typically begin 10–15 days after the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Early detection is crucial, as malaria can rapidly progress to severe illness and death, especially in high-risk groups such as children under 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity.
Common Early Symptoms:
1. Fever
2. Chills and shivering
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches and fatigue
5. Nausea and vomiting
Severe Symptoms (Life-threatening stage):
1. Severe fatigue and weakness
2. Impaired consciousness or coma
3. Multiple convulsions
4. Difficulty in breathing
5. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
6. Dark or bloody urine
7. Abnormal bleeding and low blood pressure
According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2023, 76% of all malaria deaths in the African Region were among children under five, highlighting the risk of rapid disease progression in vulnerable groups. P. falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite, can cause severe symptoms and death within 24 hours if untreated.

Conclusion

Malaria remains a significant global health threat, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, but India has made notable strides in reducing its malaria burden. With a remarkable 85.1% decline in cases and an 83.36% reduction in related deaths from 2015 to 2022, India stands as a leader in malaria control in the Southeast Asia region. Efforts like the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination underline the importance of regional collaboration. Although progress is being made, malaria continues to affect millions, with children under five being the most vulnerable group. Early diagnosis, preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets, and vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, along with effective treatments like ACTs, are critical in combating the disease. As global efforts intensify, the ongoing fight against malaria remains crucial in achieving long-term health and development goals.

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