Malaria

Malaria is a disease commonly found in tropical countries and is spread through mosquitoes. It is a very dangerous disease with almost two thirds of those affected dying. It is particularly widespread in sub-Saharan Africa due to the climate which is perfect for mosquitoes, poor drainage, and poor medical facilities.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by four different types of the parasite plasmodium; Plasmodium flaciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale and plasmodium malaria. It is spread through the female anopheles mosquito when it bites and feeds on the blood.

When it enters the blood stream, the plasmodium parasite travels to the liver and re-enters the blood stream where it invades the red blood cells. The infected red blood cells burst, releasing more of the parasite into the blood. They tend to burst every 48-72 hours and one usually experiences chills, fever and sweating when this happens.

Malaria Symptoms

Malaria symptoms tend to appear between 10 days to four weeks after a mosquito bite. It can take up to a year before symptoms appear in some type of malaria.

Benign Malaria

These symptoms can last for several weeks if no treatment is sought but usually disappear in a few days with proper care. They are similar to flu symptoms and include:

• Fever and chills,
• Muscle aches and headaches,
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and,
• Generally feeling unwell

Malignant Malaria

This is caused by the plasmodium flaciparum and will start with symptoms similar to benign malaria. If it is not treated, malignant malaria can lead to breathing problems, liver failure and shock. It can also affect the brain and nervous system. If left untreated, this can be fatal.

Treating Malaria

Treatment of malaria should begin as soon as possible. Treatment depends on a number of factors like the type of malaria, where you were infected, and your age, severity of the symptoms and whether or not you are pregnant.

The malaria parasite has rendered some medication ineffective in some countries, so it is important to know exactly what is causing the malaria. You may be able to be given anti-malarial drugs to take home. However, some cases will require hospitalization especially where the anti-malarial drug is ineffective.

Some of the medication presently used includes:

• Quinine,
• Doxycycline,
• Atovaquone,
• Mefloquine, and
• Artemether with lumefantine

Malaria treatment can leave you feeling weak and tired for a number of weeks. You will need rest.

Preventing Malaria

There is a significant risk of contracting malaria if one is traveling to the tropics. If you cannot avoid travel, then you must take the appropriate anti-malarial medicines in the correct way prescribed.

Other than taking appropriate anti-malarial drugs, one should also try to prevent mosquito bites. You can do this by using insect repellent on your skin and sleeping environments, wearing trousers and long sleeves, stay in places with screen doors, treated mosquito nets and close the windows.

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