MALARIA

Malaria is a parasitic disease typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the parasite. The parasites are called Plasmodium. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells.

Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open. The parasites continue to infect red blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in cycles that last two to three days at a time.

There are four kinds of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum

P. falciparum causes a more severe form of the disease and those who contract this form of malaria have a higher risk of death. An infected mother can also pass the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria.

Malaria is transmitted by blood, so it can also be transmitted through:

• an organ transplant
• blood transfusion 
• use of shared needles or syringes

The symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10 days to 4 weeks following the infection. In some cases, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body but will be dormant for long periods of time

STYMPTOMS INCLUDE

• shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
• high fever
• profuse sweating
• headache
• nause
• vomiting 
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• anemia
• muscle pain
• convulsions 
• coma
• bloody stool

COMPLICATIONS OF MALARIA 

• swelling of the blood vessels of the brain, or cerebral malaria
• an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes breathing problems, or pulmonary edema
• organ failure of the kidney, liver, or spleen
• anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells
• low blood sugar

ANY SYMPTOMS ? 

Your doctor will be able to diagnose malaria. During your appointment, your doctor will review your health history, including any recent travel to tropical climates. A physical exam will also be performed.

Your doctor will be able to determine if you have an enlarged spleen or liver. If you have symptoms of malaria, your doctor may order additional blood tests to confirm your diagnosis.

PREVENTION OF MALARIA 

• Removal of stagnant water from your environment 
• Cut all bushes in your environment 
• Use insecticide treated net
• Apply insect repellant on exposed skin
• Wear long sleeve cloths when outdoor at night
• seek medical advice if you have symptoms