Greater Noida, 25th April, 2025: Malaria, a seasonal and potentially fatal disease prevalent in India and several other countries, is once again becoming a cause for concern in North India. On the occasion of World Malaria Day (April 25), doctors from leading hospitals in Greater Noida and Ludhiana raised awareness about the current situation of malaria, its types – particularly Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) – its symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures.
According to doctors, P. vivax malaria usually causes mild fever, but its parasites can remain dormant in the liver and reactivate after several months, causing the infection to return. This makes it a recurring disease. On the other hand, P. falciparum is a more severe form of malaria that can affect the brain, kidneys, and other organs, and may be fatal if not treated in time.
Symptoms of malaria include high fever, chills, sweating, headache, and fatigue. Delay in treatment can worsen the condition.
Dr. Pramila Ramanis Baitha, Additional Director (Internal Medicine), Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, said, “In the past year, our hospital has seen around 30 to 40 malaria cases, with over 90 percent being of the P. vivax type.” She noted that the monsoon and post-monsoon periods are the most sensitive times for malaria spread. She advised wearing full-sleeved clothes, applying mosquito repellent, and using mosquito nets.
Dr. Naman Sharma, Senior Consultant at MASSH Hospital, Greater Noida, shared that most of the malaria patients seen recently at his hospital had the P. vivax type, and about 25% of them required hospitalization. He highlighted that in rural and low-income areas, delays in testing often lead to worsening of the condition. Dr. Sharma recommended preventing water accumulation in drains and pits, cleaning coolers and water tanks every two days, and keeping windows closed after sunset.
Dr. Sukhpreet Singh, Senior Consultant (Internal Medicine) at MASSH Pro-Life Hospital, Ludhiana, said that over the past 6 to 12 months, their hospital recorded 6 malaria cases—5 of P. vivax and 1 of P. falciparum. He explained that in their outpatient department (OPD), less than 5% of fever patients are suspected to have malaria, and confirmed cases are around 1%. Dr. Singh also emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle in treatment. He said, “Patients should consume vitamin C, iron, and protein-rich foods. Drink plenty of water, get sufficient sleep, and avoid alcohol, tea/coffee, fried, and junk food during the illness to maintain immunity.”
All three experts agreed that P. vivax is the most common type of malaria in North India, and due to its mild symptoms, it often goes unnoticed. However, without timely diagnosis and treatment, it can become serious.
On World Malaria Day, doctors deliver a clear message: awareness, personal precautions, and community cleanliness are key to controlling malaria. Citizens are urged to adopt mosquito prevention measures and maintain hygiene in their surroundings to protect themselves from this deadly disease.
