What is Malaria? Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention After Mosquitoes Found on Airplane Caused Deaths

The incident became major news worldwide when foreign media reported that two staff members at Frankfurt Airport, Germany, died from malaria infection. Public health officials suspect the cause was mosquitoes carrying the parasite that hitched a ride on a plane from abroad—known as Airport Malaria. This event has renewed awareness of the dangers of this disease. Thairath Online will take a closer look at what malaria is, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

What is malaria and what causes it?

Malaria, known in Thailand as "forest fever" or "chills fever," is a serious infectious disease caused by a single-celled parasite from the Plasmodium group. The main carrier is the female Anopheles mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and travels to the liver to mature before re-entering the bloodstream to destroy red blood cells.

Although malaria commonly occurs in forested or tropical areas, the case of "mosquitoes on airplanes" shows that carrier mosquitoes can now travel globally via air transport. This means people who have not traveled to forests or high-risk areas can still be exposed to infection.

Recognizing malaria symptoms

Typically, symptoms appear 7 to 30 days after a mosquito bite, with distinctive signs divided into three main stages:

1. Chills stage: Severe shivering, trembling lips, body stiffening, goosebumps lasting about 15–60 minutes.
2. High fever stage: Body temperature rises to 39–40°C, flushed face, intense heat, severe headache, nausea, and vomiting lasting about 2–6 hours.
3. Sweating stage: Profuse sweating over the body, rapid drop in body temperature, feelings of fatigue, followed by sleep.

Warnings: If infected with the severe Plasmodium falciparum strain, delayed treatment can cause serious complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney failure, or severe anemia, potentially resulting in death.

Malaria treatment guidelines

If symptoms are suspected, immediately visit a hospital for professional care. Self-medicating is strongly discouraged.

• Diagnosis: Doctors will perform blood tests to detect parasites under a microscope or use Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs).
• Antimalarial medication: Treatment depends on the parasite species and disease severity, such as Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs), which must be taken strictly as prescribed.
• Care during treatment: Patients receive intravenous fluids, fever reducers, and close monitoring for complications.

Malaria prevention methodsUse mosquito repellent

• Choose repellents containing DEET or Icaridin when going outdoors or entering high-risk areas. :"" Dress appropriately:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors. Sleep under mosquito nets:
• Use untreated or insecticide-treated nets, especially when camping or staying in forested areas. Take preventive medication in advance:
• Those traveling to high-malaria zones should consult a doctor beforehand to receive prophylactic medication. Although malaria is a disease long known to Thais, modern risks include spread through international travel and transport. Recognizing symptoms like high fever alternating with chills and promptly seeking blood tests are crucial for safe and timely treatment.