The Hidden Link Between Malaria and Liver Damage: Why Nigerians Must Pay Attention

Source: Nigeria Health Watch

When we think of malaria in Nigeria, we often treat it like an annoying guest that shows up uninvited, causes a bit of havoc, and leaves after a few days of treatment. But what if I told you that malaria does more than just cause fever, chills, and weakness? What if it’s quietly damaging your liver every time it visits?

Malaria: More Than Just a Fever

Each year, Nigeria records the highest number of malaria cases in the world, with over 60 million cases and approximately 200,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s easy to see why many have become desensitized to its dangers. But malaria, especially when left untreated or mismanaged, can cause more than temporary discomfort. It can silently harm your liver.

How Does Malaria Affect the Liver?

The liver is one of the first organs impacted when the malaria parasite enters the body. The Plasmodium parasite, responsible for malaria, travels to the liver to mature before invading red blood cells. During this stage, liver cells can become inflamed or even die.

Over time, repeated infections may result in:

• Liver dysfunction

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)

• Acute liver failure in severe cases

A 2023 study published in the Nigerian Journal of Parasitology highlighted a link between repeated malaria infections and elevated liver enzymes, a key marker of liver stress or damage. The study concluded that “continuous malaria episodes may predispose individuals to chronic liver diseases, especially in areas of high endemicity like Nigeria.”

What Can You Do?

• Take malaria seriously. Treat it early and completely.

• Avoid self-medication. Always get proper testing and diagnosis.

• Support your liver. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol during treatment, and maintain a healthy diet.

Prevention is powerful. Use insecticide-treated nets, eliminate stagnant water, and spray your environment regularly.

Malaria is not a mild illness. It is a public health threat with long-term consequences. Let’s stop normalizing it and start protecting our health.