If one ever experiences any symptoms of malaria, he or she should go directly to the doctor or hospital. The stage of develoment of the parasite determines what medicines will be prescribed. All treatment should be carried out by experts. One should not try to self medicate because the disease could worsen. Sometimes parasites develop resistance to drugs, so more than one prescription drug may be needed.
Malaria is a dangerous disease, but it can be prevented. If one is sleeping outside in an area affected by malaria, he or she should use a screen or net around the sleeping area, making sure it has no holes that mosquitoes could fit through.
Killing any insects that could have entered the sleeping area during the day is another preventive measure. Insect repellent should be used to prevent insect bites, which cause the disease. Air conditioning in a room can help keep insects out, because it creates a wall of air that the insects have to fly through.
Over 300 million cases of malaria are reported each year, resulting in over one million deaths.
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Teacher Resources
External Links
Malaria: Treatment & Prevention
