The Link Between Climate Change and Malaria Transmission

In recent decades, malaria has become a significant risk to public health, particularly in tropical or subtropical areas. In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths across 83 countries. Causes of malaria disease include climate change factors like increasing global temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and other climate-related problems.

Therefore, it is imperative to understand the link between climate change and malaria transmission so that effective measures can be taken to control the outbreak of this disease. This blog will discuss how climate change impacts malaria transmission.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a fatal illness caused by a parasite. It is passed to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Malaria is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which act as the primary carriers of the disease. This disease is most common in parts of the world that are hot and humid, like Africa and parts of Asia. Without proper treatment, malaria can cause brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Temperature, humidity, and rainfall significantly impact mosquito survival and breeding, affecting the transmission of malaria.

Effects of Climate Change on Malaria Transmission

Scientists believe mosquito-borne diseases benefit from rising global temperatures and other climatic changes. The warmer climate facilitates the geographical distribution of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and the risk of transmission. Here are certain factors that impact the growth and breeding of malaria mosquitoes:

1. Higher Temperatures: The development of the mosquito larva depends on temperature—it develops more quickly at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures also increase the number of eggs laid by the Anopheles mosquitoes, which increases the number of mosquitoes in a given area.
2. Increased Humidity: Mosquitoes survive better under high humidity conditions and become more active when humidity rises.
3. Excessive Rainfall: Anopheles mosquitoes breed in water. Thus, excessive rainfall creates ideal conditions for these mosquitoes to breed.
4. Longer Active Seasons: Warmer temperatures extend the time mosquitoes are active, increasing the potential for malaria transmission.

What are the symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some people might also experience cycles of malaria attacks. An attack usually starts with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, sweating, and returning to normal temperature.

The common signs and symptoms of malaria include:

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Headache
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Diarrhoea
6. Abdominal pain
7. Joint pain
8. Fatigue
9. Cough

What are the Causes of Malaria Disease?

Malaria spreads to humans through mosquito bites. It spreads when a mosquito contracts the disease after biting an infected person and then bites a healthy individual. The malaria parasite penetrates the bloodstream and travels to the liver. When these parasites mature, they leave the liver and infect red blood cells. This cycle is called the malaria transmission cycle.

Malaria can also be contracted from contact with infected blood, including:

• Mother-to-unborn child transmission
• Blood transfusions
• Sharing needles to inject drugs

How can Malaria be Prevented?

For protection against malaria mosquitoes, one must adopt these preventive measures:

1. Cover the Skin: Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect the skin from mosquitoes.
2. Apply Mosquito Repellent to Skin: Use mosquito/insect repellent on the skin or clothes while going out to keep malaria mosquitoes away.
3. Sleep Under a Net: Bed nets, particularly those treated with insecticides, help prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.

Also know more about Malaria Prevention

Final Thoughts

Malaria is a serious illness and causes hundreds of deaths across the world every year. However, the risk of infection can be lowered by adopting preventive measures and taking preventive medications. Extra precautions must be taken while travelling to places where malaria is prevalent.

Upon detecting any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor and schedule a test with Dr Lal PathLabs. Download the Dr Lal PathLabs app today and book a test from the comfort of your home.

FAQs

1. Malaria is caused by which mosquito?Malaria is a serious condition caused by parasitic organisms. These parasites are passed to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
2. How does malaria spread?Malaria spreads through an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It may also spread through blood transfusions from infected people or using contaminated needles or syringes.
3. How does climate change affect malaria transmission?Climate change, especially rising temperatures and excessive rainfalls, creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Warmer temperatures help mosquitoes survive and reproduce more, leading to higher malaria transmission rates among humans.
4. What is the relationship between climate change and malaria?Climate change can cause the transmission of malaria by creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and survival.
5. How does the environment affect the spread of malaria?Environmental factors like temperature, rainfall, and humidity directly impact mosquito lifecycle and activity. They are the primary causes of malaria disease as they offer ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes.