World Malaria Day: How misconceptions have led to delayed diagnosis, preventable complications

Hyderabad: Despite decades of public health campaigns and growing access to medical care, misinformation about malaria continues to galore.

From assuming it’s a problem only in rural areas to relying on unverified home remedies, false beliefs often lead to delayed diagnosis and preventable complications.

“Malaria is a well-studied disease, but public perception hasn’t caught up with scientific reality,” says Dr. Pranati Rao, a general physician speaking to Newsmeter. “We still encounter patients who wait too long to seek treatment because they think it’s ‘just a viral fever’ or something that only affects people in the forest.”

As we recognize World Malaria Day, it’s crucial to address the myths and misconceptions that continue to hinder malaria control efforts, especially in communities where the disease is most prevalent.

Myth 1: Malaria Only Happens in Rural or Forest Areas

A common misconception is that malaria is restricted to rural, forested, or tribal regions. In reality, urban malaria has become increasingly common due to rapid construction, stagnant water in building sites, and poor drainage systems in cities.

In fact, data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control shows that urban areas in India report a significant percentage of malaria cases, particularly during the monsoon months.

Dr. Mada Karthik, an entomologist, explains: “Anopheles stephensi, the mosquito species that spreads malaria in urban settings, is highly adaptable. It breeds in overhead tanks, construction debris, and even flower pots. The idea that city dwellers are not at risk is outdated.”

Myth 2: Only Nighttime Mosquito Bites Cause Malaria

While Anopheles mosquitoes are primarily active at night, they can bite during the early morning and evening hours as well. Moreover, people may confuse malaria with dengue, which is spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, leading to confusion over prevention timing.

“People often assume that if they aren’t bitten at night, they’re safe from malaria,” says Dr. Rao. “But the mosquito doesn’t carry a watch. Any period of exposure without protection can pose a risk.”

Myth 3: Malaria Can Be Treated with Home Remedies Alone

Another frequent myth is that consuming bitter foods, herbal teas, or papaya leaves can cure malaria. While some traditional remedies may help reduce fever, they do not target the malaria parasite in the blood.

“There is no herbal substitute for antimalarial drugs,” emphasizes Dr. Rao. “Delaying proper treatment with over-the-counter fever reducers or home decoctions only gives the parasite more time to multiply, making the case more severe.”

Myth 4: Once You Get Malaria, You’re Immune for Life

Unlike diseases such as chickenpox, malaria does not provide lifelong immunity. People can be infected multiple times, especially in regions where transmission is regular.

Some forms of malaria — especially those caused by Plasmodium vivax — can lie dormant in the liver and recur weeks or months later. Without completing the full course of medication, including drugs that target liver stages, relapse is common.

Myth 5: All Mosquito Bites Lead to Malaria

Not all mosquito bites transmit malaria. Only female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite can cause the disease. However, assuming most bites are harmless can lead to complacency in prevention.

“It’s important to use mosquito nets, repellents, and screen windows regardless of where you live,” says Dr. Karthik. “You never know when one bite could carry the parasite.”

Correcting Beliefs Is a Public Health Priority

Public health officials stress that addressing misinformation is just as important as distributing medicines or spraying insecticides.

“Health literacy plays a key role in malaria control,” says Dr. Rao. “When people understand how the disease works, they’re more likely to seek early treatment and take prevention seriously.”

Conclusion

World Malaria Day is not just a time to look at numbers, but also an opportunity to reassess public understanding. As malaria elimination goals become more ambitious, dispelling myths must be part of the strategy. Accurate, accessible information — especially in local languages — can help communities protect themselves more effectively.