Malaria in Zambia

A presentation by Mary Bwalya

 Definition of malaria
Malaria is a life threatening disease spread to humans
by some mosquitoes.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening infectious
disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is
primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of
infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Malaria is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical
regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and
Zambia inclusive.
Causes of malaria

 Malaria
is spread when an infected Anopheles
mosquito bites a person. This is the only type of
mosquito that can spread malaria.
 The mosquito becomes infected by biting an
infected person and drawing blood that contains the
parasite.
 When that mosquito bites another person, that
person becomes infected.
Risk or predisposing factors of malaria

 Severalrisk factors or predisposing factors can increase an

individual's susceptibility to malaria. These factors include:
 Geographic Location: Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and
subtropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South
America, and parts of Asia. Individuals residing in or traveling to these
high-risk areas are at a greater risk of contracting malaria.
 Mosquito Exposure: Regular exposure to mosquitoes increases the
risk of contracting malaria. Individuals living or working in areas with
a high mosquito population or inadequate mosquito control measures
are more susceptible.
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 Lack of Immunity: People living in areas with ongoing malaria

transmission, particularly young children and pregnant women,
may have limited or no immunity to the disease, making them
more susceptible to infection.
 Travel: Traveling to regions with a high incidence of malaria
without taking proper preventive measures increases the risk of
acquiring the disease. Individuals traveling to malaria-endemic
areas should take precautions such as using bed nets, wearing
protective clothing, and taking antimalarial medications.
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 Weakened Immune System: Certain conditions that

weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS,
malnutrition, and certain medications (e.g.,
immunosuppressive drugs), can increase the risk of severe
malaria infection.
 Age: Children under the age of five are particularly
vulnerable to severe malaria due to their developing
immune systems and lack of acquired immunity.
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 Lack of Access to Healthcare: Limited access to healthcare

facilities, diagnostic tools, and appropriate treatment can
increase the risk of severe complications or fatalities
associated with malaria.
 Lack of Preventive Measures: Failure to use preventive
measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, mosquito
repellents, and antimalarial medications, significantly
increases the risk of malaria infection.
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 Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of

severe malaria, particularly if they have no previous
exposure or immunity to the disease. Malaria during
pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes such as maternal
anemia, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
 Occupation: Certain occupations, such as forestry workers,
miners, and agricultural workers, may have a higher risk of
malaria due to their increased exposure to mosquito bites
in outdoor or rural settings.
Signs and symptoms of malaria

 The signs and symptoms of malaria can vary depending on the

species of the Plasmodium parasite and the severity of the infection.
Here is a list of common signs and symptoms associated with
malaria:
 High Fever: Fever is one of the hallmark symptoms of malaria. The
fever may be cyclic, with periods of high fever followed by periods
of normal or lower body temperature.
 Chills and Rigors: Intense chills and shivering often accompany the
fever, giving rise to a sensation of feeling cold.
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 Headache: Malaria can cause severe headaches, which

may be persistent and throbbing.
 Profuse Sweating: Following the fever and chills, episodes
of profuse sweating can occur, leading to damp clothes and
bed linens.
 Fatigue:Malaria can cause extreme tiredness and fatigue,
even with minimal physical exertion.
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 Body Aches: Generalized body aches, including muscle and joint pain, are
common symptoms of malaria.
 Nausea and Vomiting: Malaria infections can be associated with feelings of
nausea and vomiting.
 Abdominal Pain: Some individuals with malaria may experience abdominal
discomfort or pain.
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 Diarrhea: In certain cases, diarrhea may occur as a symptom of malaria.

 Anemia: Malaria can cause a decrease in red blood cell count, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of anemia may include weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
 Enlarged Spleen: In cases of severe malaria, the spleen may become enlarged and
tender to the touch.
 Altered Mental State: Severe malaria, particularly cerebral malaria caused by
Plasmodium falciparum, can lead to confusion, impaired consciousness, seizures,
or coma
Treatment of malaria

 The preferred antimalarial for interim oral treatment is

artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®) because of its fast
onset of action. Other oral options include atovaquone-
proguanil (Malarone™), quinine, and mefloquine. IV or
oral clindamycin and tetracyclines, such as doxycycline,
are not adequate for interim treatment.
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 Other Antimalarial drugs include:

 Artemisinin drugs (artemether and artesunate). The best
treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, if available,
is artemisinin combination therapy.
 Chloroquine. There are parasites that are resistant to this
medication.
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Doxycycline (Doxy-100®, Monodox®, Oracea®).

Mefloquine.
Quinine.
Primaquine.
When it's severe celebral Malaria so this type of
Malaria affect the brain and to treat it there is an
injection given
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 Itis important to note that the specific treatment regimen

may vary based on factors such as the patient's age,
pregnancy status, drug resistance patterns in the region,
and individual medical history. Therefore, treatment
should always be administered under the guidance of a
healthcare professional experienced in the management of
malaria.
Prevention measures

 Malaria prevention focuses on reducing the risk of mosquito bites

and minimizing exposure to the Plasmodium parasite. Here are key
points regarding malaria prevention:
 Use Bed Nets: Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets provides a
physical barrier against mosquito bites during sleep, especially in
malaria-endemic areas.
 Indoor Residual Spraying: Applying insecticides to the walls and
surfaces inside dwellings can kill mosquitoes and reduce their
population.
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 Take Antimalarial Medications: For individuals traveling to malaria-

endemic regions, taking prophylactic antimalarial medications as
prescribed by a healthcare professional can help prevent infection.
Different medications are recommended based on the specific region
and drug resistance patterns.
 Stay in Screened or Air-Conditioned Accommodations: When
available, staying in accommodations with proper window screens
or air conditioning can help create a barrier against mosquitoes.
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 Seek Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Promptly seeking medical

attention if experiencing symptoms of malaria, even if in a non-
endemic area, can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.
 Malaria Vaccination: In some regions, a malaria vaccine called
RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) has been developed and is recommended for
certain age groups. Consult with healthcare providers for information
on vaccine availability and suitability.
 Education and Awareness: Public education campaigns on malaria
prevention and control, especially in endemic areas, can raise
awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
Thank you