KK Menon It was revealed that he was admitted to the hospital after suffering from malaria. “I was admitted to the hospital with malaria on September 29. Over the next two days, the condition worsened and I had to be shifted to the ICU for ten days as an emergency,” Menon told Zoom.

Menon said that doctors have advised her to take rest for at least two weeks as she has “lost a lot of weight.” He wrote, “I am unable to speak much because my voice is still not good. Hence communicating via text. I am assuming that by or around November 10, I will be fit enough to resume my professional work.”

What is malaria?

Malaria is a deadly disease spread to humans by certain types of mosquitoes. It can usually be prevented and cured unless the condition becomes serious. Symptoms can be mild or life threatening. Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Serious symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Malaria is usually spread to people through the bites of a few infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria can also be spread through blood transfusions and contaminated needles. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and may be difficult to recognize as malaria. If left untreated, malaria can turn into a serious illness and lead to death within 24 hours.

How does malaria affect your health?

Anaemia

Malaria parasites destroy red blood cells (RBCs) while replicating, causing anemia. Due to fewer RBCs to transport oxygen, you may feel tired, weak, and short of breath. This disrupts daily functioning and slows recovery.

fever and chills

When the parasites exit the RBCs, they release toxic byproducts, which trigger a rapid immune response. Due to this, frequent fever and chills begin. This cycle causes sweating, dehydration and weakens your immune system, making the body more susceptible to other infections.

organ damage

Severe malaria can affect major organs such as the liver and kidneys. Inflammation and accumulation of infected RBCs can obstruct small blood vessels, leading to organ failure. The liver may become inflamed, leading to jaundice, while kidney failure may lead to fluid imbalance and electrolyte disturbances.

cerebral malaria

In some cases the parasite can also block blood vessels in the brain, causing cerebral malaria. Symptoms include seizures, confusion and coma and it can also cause long-term neurological problems such as cognitive impairment.

weak immune system

Repeated malaria infections weaken the immune response, making people, especially children and pregnant women, more susceptible to other infections and slowing recovery.

Ways to stay safe from malaria

Use insecticide-treated nets

Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets helps form a protective barrier against mosquito bites during the night, reducing the risk of malaria.

use mosquito repellents

Applying repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing reduces mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity.

wear protective clothing

Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks provides physical protection from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active during dawn and dusk.

take anti-malaria drugs

In high-risk areas, taking anti-malaria medications as prophylaxis helps prevent malaria by killing the parasite in the early stages of infection.

drain standing water

Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, so eliminating standing water in areas such as ponds, containers and ditches helps reduce mosquito populations and the risk of malaria.

indoor residual sprinkler

Regular application of insecticides on walls inside homes kills mosquitoes resting on these surfaces.

Improve home ventilation with screens

Mosquitoes are unable to enter homes by placing nets on windows and doors or using air conditioning.

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