Introduction

If malaria were a school bully, most people would rather avoid it. Malaria is a common parasitic illness that is endemic in Nigeria, and its occurrence, for someone living with sickle cell disease (SCD), however, can become far more dangerous than one would think. 

Imagine your body fighting two battles at the same time. That is what can happen when a person living with sickle cell disease develops malaria.

The good news is that malaria is largely preventable, and prompt treatment can prevent many serious complications. It is also important to remember that not every fever is caused by malaria, and malaria can occur alongside other illnesses. If a fever is accompanied by symptoms such as a persistent cough, ear pain or ear discharge, red or discharging eyes, a widespread skin rash, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, painful urination, markedly reduced urine output, or blood or dark discoloration in the urine, seek medical evaluation promptly. These symptoms may point to another illness or to more than one illness occurring at the same time.

Knowing what to look out for could make all the difference.

Why is malaria more dangerous in sickle cell disease?

People living with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that are more fragile and have a shorter lifespan than normal.

Malaria parasites also invade and destroy red blood cells.

When these two conditions occur together, the result can be a rapid fall in blood count, worsening anemia, dehydration, painful sickle cell crises, and severe illness that may require hospital care.

This is why every fever in a person living with sickle cell disease should be taken seriously.

Don’t ignore a fever

Malaria commonly causes the following:

• Fever

• Chills or shivering

• Headache

• Body aches

• Weakness or unusual tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

These symptoms are not unique to malaria. Other infections can look very similar, especially in people living with sickle cell disease.

If someone with sickle cell disease develops a fever, don’t assume it is malaria and don’t assume it is “just another pain crisis.” They should be assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Get tested before treatment whenever possible

Not every fever is caused by malaria.

Whenever available, malaria should be confirmed using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or microscopy (most reliable) before treatment is started.

People living with sickle cell disease, particularly children, are also at increased risk of serious bacterial infections. A fever may require further medical evaluation, even if malaria is suspected.

Prevention is always better for SCD Warriors

Mosquitoes don’t take holidays, so prevention shouldn’t either.

Simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of malaria:

• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night.

• Eliminate standing water around the home where mosquitoes breed.

• Use window and door screens where available.

• Wear clothing that helps reduce mosquito bites, especially in the evenings.

• Use recommended mosquito repellents (sprays or even creams) when appropriate.

• Take any malaria preventive medicines exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, if they are part of your treatment plan.

When should you seek urgent medical care?

Seek immediate medical attention if a person living with sickle cell disease has malaria or a fever and develops the following:

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent vomiting

• Extreme weakness or inability to drink

• Confusion or unusual drowsiness

• Convulsions

• Severe paleness

• Worsening symptoms despite treatment

These warning signs require urgent medical assessment.

The bottom line

For most people, malaria is an illness that needs treatment.

For someone living with sickle cell disease, it deserves even greater attention.

Prevent mosquito bites. Take every fever seriously. Get tested whenever possible. Seek prompt medical care.

Because when malaria and sickle cell disease meet, acting early can save lives.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for health education only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Anyone living with sickle cell disease who develops a fever or feels unwell should seek prompt medical evaluation.