History of Malaria

Today (April 25) is World Malaria Day, so I figured it would be apt to write about the disease which is related to my recent posts on artemisinin and quinine, and also has a strong connection to the ancient times.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. It causes flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and vomiting, and can be fatal if untreated. Every year, there are over 200 million cases and around 500,000 deaths, 95% of which are in Africa. Malaria was also responsible for several epidemics in the Americas in the 1700 and 1800s, until it was discovered that mosquitos carried the disease and anti-mosquito measures were widely utilized.

Malaria pathogen attached to red blood cell

Not only is malaria one of the most common diseases in the world, it is also one of the oldest. References to malaria are found in practically all ancient medical texts, including from the Classical period. In fact, it is thought that the disease developed around the time of human settlement around 10,000 years ago! It is so old and widespread that it is responsible for several genetic mutations in humans, through the process of natural selection of inherited genetic resistance. Common mutations include sickle-cell disease, thalassaemias, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, all of which were already present by the time of the Roman civilization.

Malaria is mentioned in several historical texts, including Homer's The Iliad, ancient Indian Vedic writings (described as "king of fevers"), and Mesopotamian clay tablets with cuneiform script (the periodic fevers mentioned are suggestive of malaria). The name malaria itself is derived from Hippocrates' miasma theory, according to which miasma or bad air caused diseases. “Mala aria” literally means bad air in Italian. Although the miasma theory was disproved after the discovery of pathogens, swamps and marshlands are an attractive breeding ground for mosquitos, hence there is some truth to the miasma theory, albeit indirectly.

Historians also believe that the dreaded Roman Fever that afflicted ancient Romans several times was none other than a deadly strain of malaria. One such epidemic of Roman Fever in the 5th century AD contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

It is as astonishing feat that one of mankind's oldest diseases continues to be one of the deadliest.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/malaria_01.shtml

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