Decoding Malaria Management for Children

BENGALURU: Dr Shilpa Pandya, a renowned Consultant in Neonatology & Paediatrics in kinder hospital Bangalore, sheds light on the critical aspects of malaria and its impact on children. With her expertise and dedication to pediatric care, she provides valuable insights into understanding, preventing, and managing malaria in children.

Q: What is malaria, and how does it affect children and adults?

A: Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It significantly impacts the health of both children and adults. When a person is infected with malaria, the parasites multiply in their liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes loose stools. Severe cases can result in organ failure and even death if left untreated.

Q: What are the common symptoms of malaria in children?

A: Children infected with malaria often experience fever, which may be accompanied by chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally loose stools. However, it’s important to note that not all children with malaria exhibit the typical chills with fever, so other symptoms like general malaise or fatigue should also be considered.

Q: How should parents care for a child with malaria?

A: Parents play a crucial role in caring for a child with malaria. It’s essential to provide supportive care, including administering anti-fever medications like Paracetamol, ensuring the child gets plenty of rest, and encouraging them to drink ample fluids to stay hydrated. However, the cornerstone of treatment is appropriate antimalarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s imperative to complete the prescribed course of medication to prevent relapses and fully eradicate the parasites from the body.

Q: What are the danger signs parents should watch out for in a child with malaria?

A: Parents should be vigilant for any danger signs that indicate severe malaria or complications. These signs include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), seizures, the presence of blood in urine or stools, or persistent fever despite taking antimalarial medication. If any of these signs occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Q: What are some myths about malaria that parents should be aware of?

A: There are several myths surrounding malaria that parents should be aware of to ensure they have accurate information:

Myth: Malaria spreads through contaminated water or by being in contact with an infected person.
Fact: Malaria is transmitted only through mosquito bites or blood transfusions, not through water or casual contact.

Myth: Malaria-infected mothers should not breastfeed.
Fact: Malaria parasites are not transmitted through breast milk; however, certain medications may require caution while breastfeeding.

Myth: Children can get malaria through contact with an infected child.
Fact: Malaria does not spread through casual contact or sharing items like clothes or utensils.

Myth: Malaria infection provides lifelong immunity.
Fact: people can be reinfected with same or different species of the parasite, so immunity is not permanent

Myth: A malaria vaccine is available.
Fact: While research is ongoing, there is currently no widely available malaria vaccine on the market.

Q: How can parents protect their children from malaria?

A: Preventing malaria involves a combination of measures: Using mosquito repellents, coils, or vaporizers to keep mosquitoes away. Wearing full-coverage clothing, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Eliminating stagnant water around the home, as mosquitoes breed in standing water.

Using mosquito nets for babies under two months old and repellents or roll-ons for older children, following age-appropriate guidelines. Being aware of peak mosquito times and avoiding outdoor activities during these periods.

Educating children about mosquito bite prevention and hygiene practices.

Quote from Dr Shilpa Pandya: “Malaria is a preventable disease, yet it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing nations. Accelerating efforts to combat malaria is crucial to prevent unnecessary loss of life and ensure equal access to health resources for all.”

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