What happens if a baby gets malaria?

Symptoms of malaria in babies

Identifying malaria in infants can be challenging, as the symptoms of malaria fever in infants can often mimic those of other common childhood illnesses. However, there are several key signs that parents and caregivers should be aware of, such as —

1. Fever which may come and go, often following a cyclical pattern

2. Irritability and fussiness

3. Frequent crying & being difficult to console

4. May show a reduced appetite. They might also refuse to breastfeed or take bottle feeds

5. May appear lethargic and unusually tired or weak. They might even sleep more than usual and be difficult to wake-up

6. Skin may appear paler than normal due to anaemia, particularly noticeable on palms, sole and inside of the mouth

7. Rapid breathing sometimes leading to chest in-drawing

8. Vomiting and diarrhoea which can lead to experiencing dehydration if not managed properly

9. Sudden bouts of sweating, particularly when the fever breaks

10. Enlarged spleen which may be detected during a physical examination carried out by your doctor

11. In some cases, the baby's skin and eyes may take on a yellowish tinge due to the breakdown of red blood cells by the malaria parasite

Complications

When a baby contracts malaria, there's a significant risk of the disease progressing rapidly to a severe form, which can be life-threatening. The complications associated with malaria in infants may include the following —

1. Severe anaemia

◦ Malaria parasites destroy red blood cells, leading to anaemia

◦ In severe cases, this can result in heart failure or respiratory distress in infants

2. Cerebral malaria

◦ This severe complication affects the brain

◦ It can cause seizures, coma, and potentially long-term neurological damage

3. Respiratory distress

◦ Fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to breathing difficulties

◦ This is often a sign of severe malaria in infants

4. Hypoglycaemia

◦ Low blood sugar is common in malarial infections

◦ It can cause further complications if not addressed promptly

5. Metabolic acidosis

◦ This condition occurs when the body produces too much acid

◦ It can lead to respiratory distress and other severe complications

6. Kidney failure

◦ In severe cases, malaria can affect kidney function

◦ This can be particularly dangerous in infants

7. Liver dysfunction

◦ The liver may be affected, leading to jaundice and other complications

8. Developmental delays

◦ Severe malaria infections in infancy can potentially impact long-term development

◦ This may affect cognitive, motor, and language skills in babies

9. Recurrent infections

◦ Babies who survive a malaria infection may be more susceptible to future infections

◦ This can lead to chronic anaemia and impact overall health and development

10. Malnutrition

◦ Repeated malarial infections can contribute to malnutrition

◦ This can further weaken the immune system and impact growth

Risks associated

The risks associated with malaria in infants are particularly high due to several factors —

• Immature immune system:

Babies do not have a well-developed, robust immune response to fight off the parasite effectively.

• Rapid disease progression:

The disease can progress quickly in infants, sometimes within hours of the first symptoms appearing.

• Difficulty in diagnosis:

The signs of malaria in infants can be non-specific, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment.

• Higher parasite load:

Infants often have a higher concentration of parasites in their blood compared to older children and adults.

Given these risks and potential complications, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if any signs and symptoms of malaria in infants are observed, particularly in areas where the infectious disease is prevalent.

FAQs

Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial when it comes to malaria in infants. Healthcare providers use various methods to confirm the presence of malaria parasites, such as —

1. Blood smear examination

◦ This is the gold standard for malaria diagnosis

◦ A drop of blood is examined under a microscope to look for malaria parasites

2. Rapid diagnostic tests

◦ These tests can quickly detect malaria antigens in a small blood sample

◦ They are particularly useful in areas with limited laboratory facilities

3. Molecular tests

◦ More advanced techniques like PCR can detect even low levels of parasites

◦ These are not typically used for initial diagnosis but may be used in certain cases

In addition to specific antimalarial treatments, supportive care is crucial in managing malaria in infants. This may include:

• Maintaining proper hydration

• Managing fever

• Monitoring and addressing complications like anaemia or low blood sugar

• Providing nutritional support

Follow-up care is also essential to ensure the infection has been fully cleared and to monitor for any potential long-term effects.

FAQs

1. How quickly can malaria symptoms appear in infants after a mosquito bite?

Symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after the infected mosquito bite, but this can vary.

2. Can malaria in infants be prevented?

While not 100% preventable, measures like using insecticide-treated bed nets and appropriate mosquito repellents can significantly reduce the risk.

3. Are some infants more at risk of contracting malaria than others?

Yes, infants in malaria-endemic areas and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

4. Can malaria recur in infants who have been treated?

Yes, recurrence is possible, which is why follow-up care is important.

5. How does malaria affect an infant's growth and development?

Severe or repeated malaria infections can potentially impact an infant's growth and cognitive development, emphasising the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.