Why You Keep Treating Malaria Again and Again

Why You Keep Treating Malaria Again and Again

You feel feverish.

You assume malaria.

You buy drugs.

Two weeks later, the fever returns.

This cycle is common. The problem is not always malaria. Here is why you keep treating it.

1. You were never tested properly

Many people treat malaria without a test.

Fever does not equal malaria.

Other illnesses with similar symptoms: • Typhoid

• Urinary tract infection

• Viral infections

• Pneumonia

• COVID 19

Without a rapid diagnostic test or blood smear, you are guessing.

What to do: • Insist on a malaria test before treatment

• Do not rely on symptoms alone

2. You did not complete your full dose

Malaria drugs must be taken exactly as prescribed.

Stopping when you feel better leaves some parasites alive. They multiply again. The fever returns.

What to do: • Finish the full course

• Take doses at the correct time

• Do not skip tablets

3. Poor quality or fake drugs

In some areas, counterfeit antimalarial drugs circulate. These drugs fail to clear the parasite.

Signs include:

 • Fever returns quickly

• No improvement after treatment

What to do: • Buy drugs from licensed pharmacies or drug stores

• Avoid street or market vendors.

4. Reinfection from mosquito bites

Malaria spreads through infected mosquitoes.

If you sleep without protection, you risk getting infected again.

What to do: • Sleep under insecticide treated nets

• Clear stagnant water around your home

• Use mosquito repellents

5. Weak immunity

Children, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity get malaria more often.

If your body defenses are low, infections recur faster.

What to do: • Eat balanced meals

• Rest properly

• Seek medical evaluation for frequent illness

6. Drug Abuse and Misuse: 

Poor drug compliance can be the reason why your malaria keeps coming back. Drugs such as ACT (Arthemisinin-based Combination Therapy) have been grossly abused this they lack effectiveness. May who use them frequently often do not complete the dose.

7. It is not malaria at all

Repeated fever after treatment may mean: • Drug resistant malaria

• Another hidden infection

• Chronic illness

Warning signs: • Persistent fever beyond 3 days

• Severe weakness

• Yellow eyes

• Severe headache

• Difficulty breathing

These require urgent medical care.

Stop guessing

Repeated self treatment wastes money and delays proper diagnosis.

Test first.

Treat correctly.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

If malaria keeps returning, look deeper.