MALARIA
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to
people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a
communicable disease. It is very common in tropical places.
What are the causes of Malaria?
Malaria is caused by a single-celled parasite of the genus plasmodium. The
parasite is transmitted to humans most commonly through mosquito bites of
infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
What are the symptoms of Malaria?
Malaria signs and symptoms typically begin within a few weeks after being
bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some types of malaria parasites can
lie dormant in your body for up to a year. Signs and symptoms of malaria may
include:
1. Fever
2. Chills
3. General feeling of discomfort
4. Headache
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Diarrhea
7. Abdominal pain
8. Muscle or joint pain
9. Fatigue
10. Rapid breathing
11. Rapid heart rate
12. Cough
Some people also experience cycles of malaria "attacks." An attack usually
starts with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, followed by sweating
and a return to normal temperature.
How can you prevent Malaria?
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. To protect yourself from
mosquito bites, you should:
1. Cover your skin
2. Apply insect repellent to skin and clothing
3. Sleep under a bed nets.
4. Preventive medicine
5. Vaccine - The World Health Organization has recommended a malaria
vaccine for use in children who live in countries with high numbers of malaria
cases.
What is the diagnosis for Malaria?
To diagnose malaria, your medical history is reviewed and where you have
recently travelled, a physical exam is conducted, as well as blood tests. Blood
tests can indicate:
1. The presence of the parasite in the blood
2. Which type of malaria parasite is causing your symptoms
3. If your infection is caused by a parasite resistant to certain drugs
4. Whether the disease is causing any serious complications
Some blood tests can take several days to complete, while others can produce
results in less than 15 minutes. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may
order additional diagnostic tests to assess possible complications.
What is the treatment for Malaria?
Malaria is treated with prescription drugs to kill the parasite. The types of
drugs and the length of treatment will vary, depending on:
1. Which type of malaria parasite you have
2. The severity of your symptoms
3. Your age
4. Whether you're pregnant
Various medications (antibiotics) are given as a treatment.
