The deadly disease kills over a million worldwide. The mosquito-borne disease has been rampant across the country this monsoon. On an average, 5 lakhs people are affected and over 1,000 die of malaria in India.

Now, a study has revealed a deadly truth about the fatal disease Malaria. It says, out of the 35 malaria deaths reported in Mumbai during the months of June and July this monsoon, there were seven female deaths and 28 male deaths. The death ratio of males and females proves the theory floated by two eminent doctors in the city, that men are more prone to the disease than women.

Dr Nilima Kshirsagar from KEM Hospital and Dr Shobhona Sharma, Prof of Biology and expert of malaria from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), had conducted a two-year study and presented a scientific paper pointing that men between 15-40 years of age were more prone to malaria and seek medical intervention.

The study suggested a correlation between sex hormones and susceptibility or protection in males and females. "We are continuously collecting data from hospitals as there is high mortality due to malaria during monsoons. This data will help a great deal in analyzing why does this happen,” said Dr Kshirsagar.

"Understanding the epidemiology of malaria-attributed illness and identifying the population segment most at risk is vital to the effective targeting of public health resources. This epidemiological study of clinical malaria in hypoendemic populations, therefore, has critical relevance to the formulation and implementation of successful global anti-malarial public health strategies and educational campaigns,” she added.

According to experts, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the basic elements of malaria control. Early and effective treatment of malaria disease will shorten its duration and prevent the development of complications and the great majority of deaths from malaria. Avoid taking Aspirin, Dispirin and Brufen tablets to the patient as it is known to increase the bleeding tendency and also it increases the stomach pain. According to World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Paracetamol is the first-line treatment for fever and pain in children”. For kids go for paracetamol based Crocin drops & suspension, due to its safety record of more than 3 decades of use in India for mild to moderate fever and pain. Please get a blood slide made and take treatment from a doctor. Drink lots of fluids.

The illness resolves with time. Paracetamol based Crocin Pain Reliever are prescribed to ease the pains associated with fever. Doctors however seek caution while administering NSAIDS in such cases as various international findings have shown that it is extremely essential to gently reduce symptoms of pain and fever. Opines Dr. Tarun Sahni, Sr. Consultant, General Medicine, "Unlike NSAIDs, Paracetamol does not lead to drastic fever reduction (hypothermia). NSAIDs have shortcomings and in no way can be totally relied on to provide a safe relief from symptoms of fever and pain.”


Though the BMC’s epidemiology department does not have a definite answer to the problem, they are pinning their hopes on the study.