Malaria Treatment

How is Malaria Diagnosed?

A general physician will check symptoms, travel history, and use laboratory tests to diagnose malaria. Fever with shivers is the typical symptom of malaria. Microscopic examination of a blood sample is the standard test to confirm the diagnosis. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) can be done in minutes and helps diagnose the disease & the species of the parasite causing malaria.

Other blood tests may be done to check for anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney and liver function. They also help rule out dengue, typhoid, and chikungunya, which cause similar fevers. Early and accurate diagnosis guides prompt treatment for malaria.

How is Malaria Treated Based on Severity?

Treatment for malaria depends on how severe the infection is. The table below summarises the treatment approach according to severity:

Types of Malaria and Their Treatment

Malaria is caused by different Plasmodium species. Treatment varies for each type, as shown in the table below:

First-Line Treatments for Malaria

The following first-line drugs eliminate the malaria parasite from the bloodstream. However, they depend on the type and degree of infection:

Other Treatments for Malaria

Supportive treatments should accompany antimalarial drugs in treating severe malaria. These treatments manage complications and include the following:

Oral Medications for Malaria Treatment

Most uncomplicated cases of malaria are managed with oral antimalarial drugs. They are administered using a complete and prescribed course and include:

• Artemether-lumefantrine

• Primaquine

• Doxycycline

• Artesunate-based ACT (according to national guidelines)

• Chloroquine (where appropriate)

• Quinine (selected cases)

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Malaria

Some people rely on the following herbal medicines as supportive treatment for malaria. Such herbal medicine can under no circumstances supersede the antimalarial drugs:

• Neem: It is traditionally used to support general wellness during fevers.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): It can be used to help recover from a fever.

• Giloy (Guduchi): It may be used for its immune-boosting properties.

• Cinchona Bark: This herb is a natural source of quinine.

• Ginger: It is used to help reduce nausea during illness.

Note: All these herbal medicines should be taken under medical supervision only.

Home Care for Managing Malaria

Proper home care facilitates recovery in simple malaria cases. It works in conjunction with the medicines prescribed:

• Complete the Full Course of Medication: Take all medicines despite the subsiding fever.

• Get Sufficient Rest: Proper rest aids recovery.

• Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Have Light Food: Eat soup, fruits, rice, and dal.

• Observe the Symptoms: Look out for any symptoms that may be worsening.

• Follow-Up: Attend follow-up appointments as recommended.

Latest Treatment for Malaria

In India, the treatment of malaria is based on the guidelines of the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC). It recommends species-specific artemisinin-based combination therapies and primaquine for the radical cure of P. vivax malaria where appropriate.

How Long Does Malaria Treatment Take?

Treatment length for malaria depends on the species and severity. The table shows approximate timelines:

Malaria Treatment Side Effects

Antimalarial medicines are effective in fighting malaria but can have certain side effects in some individuals. Some of the side effects include:

• ACT Drugs: These may cause nausea, dizziness, or lack of appetite.

• Chloroquine: It may lead to itching and blurred vision.

• Primaquine: It may cause haemolytic anaemia in G6PD-deficient people.

• Injectable Artesunate: It may cause delayed anaemia in some cases.

• Doxycycline: It may cause abdominal pain and photophobia (sensitivity to sunlight).

• Quinine: It may cause tinnitus and dizziness.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Malaria

Prevention helps you avoid malaria. Simple steps to lower the risk of malaria include:

• Mosquito Nets: These can help protect from mosquito bites when you are asleep.

• Protective Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET.

• Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing covering arms and legs, especially from dusk to dawn.

• Removal of Standing Water: Remove standing water, as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• Window Screens: Install screens in the windows and use indoor residual sprays where recommended.

• Precautionary Medicines: Take precautionary medicines while travelling to high-risk areas.

• Vaccination: Vaccinate children according to the local vaccination programme.

Triggers That Can Worsen Symptoms of Malaria

Several factors may increase the severity of malaria. They include:

• Delayed Treatment: Delayed treatment may cause severe malaria.

• P. Falciparum: This type of infection may lead to cerebral malaria.

• Resistance to Drugs: Parasite resistance increases treatment difficulty.

• Incomplete Treatment: Termination of taking drugs prematurely causes relapse.

Malaria Treatment Cost in India

The cost of treatment for malaria in India is relatively affordable. The diagnosis and treatment of the disease are provided free of cost by the state programme. The cost of testing malaria in private laboratories ranges from ₹200 to ₹900. The drugs used to treat malaria orally are inexpensive. However, in complicated cases, hospital admission increases costs due to intensive care treatment and injections. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Malaria Treatment in India?

Yes. Most comprehensive health insurance plans in India cover hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, medicines, and intensive care for malaria, subject to the policy's terms and conditions. Some insurers also have vector-borne disease benefit plans, which pay fixed benefits on the diagnosis of malaria. However, waiting periods may be applicable before a claim under health insurance for malaria can be raised.