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Definition

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Plasmodium is developed in the gut of the mosquito. It is passed on in the saliva of an infected mosquito each time it feeds on blood. The plasmodium parasites are then carried by the blood in the victim's liver, where they invade the cells and multiply.

 

Malaria affects nearly 300 million people worldwide and results in 1 to 1.5 million fatalities per year. Malaria used to be a widespread disease, but now it is mainly confined to Africa, Asia and Latin America. Due to inadequate health structures and poor socioeconomic conditions in these places, controlling malaria has become even tougher. With the increase resistance to the drugs used to fight against the parasite that causes this deadly disease, the situation has evolved into a more complex state.

 

 

Causes

 

The female anopheline mosquito causes malaria when they feed on human blood. The males do not transmit the diseases as they only feed on plant juices. Mosquitoes are usually drawn to humans with O type blood.

 

 

Symptoms

 

• Fever- all victims of malaria will experience intense fever, which will be followed by chills/shivers
• Shivering- fever happens before this
• Pain in the joints
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Delirium
• Uncontrollable sweating

 

These will quickly disappear once the parasite is killed before it becomes too serious.

 

Treatment

 

• Chloroquine - cheapest and most commonly used drug but many new strains are resistant.
• Mefloquine
• Quinine
• Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine combination
• Quinine sulfate
• Primaquine
• Symptomatic relief
• Aspirin

 

Prevention

• Antimalarial drugs
• Try to avoid mosquito bites
• Spray on mosquito repellent when going out
• Try to stay indoors at dusk and nighttime
• Vaccination

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