The BRICS TimesHeavy rainfall and waterlogging in several Indian states have heightened the risk of malaria, a serious infectious disease. Sometimes, people show clear symptoms of malaria, yet their test results turn out negative. This does not mean the condition is mild. Let us understand the real reasons behind this situation.
Rising Risk of Malaria During Monsoon
The ongoing monsoon season has brought heavy rainfall across many states, which has increased the breeding of mosquitoes and the spread of malaria. Stagnant water and unhygienic surroundings create perfect conditions for mosquito growth. These mosquitoes carry parasites responsible for malaria and transmit them into the human body. Malaria is a dangerous infection that spreads through blood and becomes particularly severe in children and elderly people. If not diagnosed at the right time, complications may escalate. Staying alert during this season is therefore extremely important.
Common Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria typically shows symptoms such as repeated fever, chills, sweating, headache, and weakness. Patients may also experience nausea, stomach pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, anemia, extreme weakness, and organ-related complications can occur. Children often develop these symptoms more rapidly and intensely. A unique feature of malaria is that the fever rises and falls every two to three days, which helps in recognizing the disease. However, in many cases, despite having all these signs, the test reports may come back negative. Understanding why this happens is essential.
Why Tests Sometimes Show Negative Despite Symptoms?
Dr. Subhash Giri, Unit Head at the Department of Medicine, RML Hospital, Delhi, explains that malaria tests can sometimes show negative results even when symptoms are present. According to him, one major reason is that in the early stages, the number of parasites in the blood is very low, making it difficult for standard tests to detect them. Another reason could be that parasites may hide in organs such as the liver instead of appearing in the bloodstream.
Dr. Giri further states that sometimes the testing method or the sensitivity of the machine also affects the results. If a patient has already taken medicines before testing, it can lead to negative results. Since different diagnostic tests vary in their accuracy, it is possible for one test to miss the infection. In such cases, doctors recommend repeating the test or confirming it through advanced methods like Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and Blood Smear Test. He also points out that symptoms may appear similar to other infections like viral fever, dengue, or typhoid, which adds to the confusion. This is why medical advice and timely re-examination are crucial whenever malaria-like symptoms persist.
Preventive Measures You Must Follow
Using mosquito nets and repellents plays a major role in avoiding infection. Do not allow water to stagnate in or around your house, as it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you experience fever or malaria-like symptoms, consult a doctor immediately instead of ignoring them. Even if the test result comes back negative but symptoms remain, it is wise to get tested again. Special care should be taken for children and elderly people, as their immunity is often weaker. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of malaria during the monsoon season.
