The summer season, along with occasional rain, raises concerns about mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue and malaria tend to spike during this time as the conditions become ideal for mosquitoes to breed and spread these illnesses. While malaria can impact anyone's health, it poses a greater risk to children, potentially leading to lasting health issues.

In a chat with a Lifestyle Magazine, Dr. Shreya Dubey, a consultant in neonatology and pediatrics at CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, shared, “Malaria is a major threat to children's health, especially in tropical and subtropical areas like India. Kids under five are particularly at risk, making up a significant number of malaria-related fatalities worldwide. The disease not only presents immediate dangers but also has long-term effects on a child's growth and development.”

Declining immune system:

Kids have immune systems that aren't fully developed yet, which makes it tougher for them to fend off the malaria parasite. When they do get infected, their condition can worsen rapidly, leading to serious issues like severe anemia, cerebral malaria, and even organ failure. Unlike adults, children might not show the usual symptoms, which can slow down the process of getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Unclear symptoms:

In kids, malaria can show up as a severe fever accompanied by chills, vomiting, lack of appetite, irritability, sleepiness, or even seizures. Sometimes, it can appear more subtly, resembling the flu or stomach infections, which raises the chances of treatment being delayed.

Cognitive development issues:

Malaria in kids frequently causes them to miss school, lose their appetite, and feel tired, which can lead to malnutrition and hinder their brain development over time. In areas where malaria is common, repeated infections can lead to long-term anemia and slowed growth.

Tips for prevention to keep in mind:

• Try using mosquito nets that have been treated with insecticide.
• Put on protective clothing.
• Steer clear of being outside during dusk and dawn.
• Make sure there’s no standing water near your home.
• In areas with a high risk of transmission, preventive treatment might be suggested during the peak seasons.

The doctor emphasized, "Malaria isn't merely a disease spread by mosquitoes; it becomes a critical emergency when it affects a child."

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