Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is commonly spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The associated fever is often referred to as "malarial fever." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /məˈlɛərɪəl ˈfiːvər/. The "m" is followed by a schwa, indicating a neutral vowel sound, and the stress is placed on the second syllable. The spelling of "malarial" includes two "a's" to indicate the two syllables and the presence of the letter "r" represents its etymological origin in Latin.
Malarial fever is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of fever caused by the parasite of the genus Plasmodium, most commonly P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, or P. malariae. This infectious disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malarial fever is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.
The symptoms of malarial fever often include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and sweating, which typically occur in cycles and can last from a few hours to several days. In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications such as anemia, organ failure, and even death, particularly if left untreated. The severity of malarial fever may vary depending on the Plasmodium species involved and the individual's overall health condition.
Diagnosis of malarial fever is typically confirmed through microscopic examination of blood samples to detect the presence of Plasmodium parasites or through rapid diagnostic tests. Treatment usually involves antimalarial medications aimed at eliminating the parasites from the body and alleviating the symptoms.
Preventive measures for malarial fever include the use of insect repellents, bed nets, and appropriate clothing to minimize mosquito bites, as well as taking prophylactic antimalarial medications when traveling to endemic areas. Efforts to control and eradicate malaria also involve mosquito control programs and research for developing effective vaccines.
Acute malaria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "malarial fever" has an interesting etymology.
The term "malarial" comes from the Latin word "malaria", which means "bad air" or "swampy". This Latin term is derived from "mal-" meaning "bad" and "aria" meaning "air".
The connection between this "bad air" and the disease we now know as malaria can be traced back to ancient times when people believed that the disease was caused by noxious vapors or miasma in swampy or marshy areas. In those regions, people would often suffer from fevers, chills, and other symptoms, collectively referred to as "malaria".
The term "fever" has its roots in the Old English word "fefer", which evolved from the Latin word "febris".