Do you know that Malaria claims the lives of around 660,000 people each year? Yes, that fact is true! Unfortunately, Malaria is an infectious disease that has infected more people than any other in human history.
As the world celebrated World Malaria Day this week, let’s understand more about Malaria, so we can keep our loved ones safe.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a parasite that will kill you. Well, how could that be? Actually, the disease is spread by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
The Plasmodium parasite is carried by infected mosquitoes, then the parasite is transmitted into the bloodstream when this mosquito bites you.
Another important fact, Malaria is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates, where the parasites can flourish. Now, let’s find out some causes of this deadly disease!
Causes Of Malaria That Lead To This Harmful Disease
Malaria can be contracted if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the Plasmodium parasite. Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium falciparum are the four types of malaria parasites that can kill us.
Malaria is transmitted by blood, so it can also be transmitted through:
- An organ transplant
- A transfusion
- Use of shared needles or syringes
Falciparum causes a more serious type of malaria, and those who catch it have a greater chance of dying.
However, a mother who is infected will transmit the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria.
Major Signs Of Malaria That Everybody Should Take Note!
Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear for several months in several cases. Malaria parasites will invade the body, but they will persist for a long time.
According to research, major signs of malaria include:
- Shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
- High fever
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Muscle pain
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Bloody stools
Ways To Determine If You Have Malaria Disease
Worry not, if you happen to have those signs, go to the hospital first. Then, your doctor will check your medical records, including any previous travel to tropical climates, at your visit.
Also, a physical examination might also be carried out.
Important point: If you have a swollen spleen or liver, the doctor will be able to notify you. If it is still undetectable, there will be additional blood tests to confirm your diagnosis.
These tests will identify:
- Whether you have malaria
- What type of malaria you have
- If your infection is caused by a parasite that’s resistant to certain types of drugs
- If the disease has caused anemia
- If the disease has affected your vital organs
Can A Person Suffer Dangerous Side-Effects From Having Malaria?
Sadly, yes. Malaria may lead to a variety of potentially fatal complications. The following outcomes are possible:
- 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 kidneys, liver, or spleen
- Anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells
- Low blood sugar
No Vaccines, Just Treatment For Malaria
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, that efforts to develop an effective malaria vaccine are also ongoing, and so are the vaccine clinical trials. Malaria is a complicated parasite with a complicated life cycle.
The parasite has the ability to evade your immune system by constantly changing its surface, so developing a vaccine against these varying surfaces is very difficult.
Malaria can be fatal, particularly if you’re infected with the parasite P. falciparum. In most cases, the condition is treated in a healthcare facility.
Medications will be prescribed by the doctor depending on the kind of parasite you have.
Malaria In Infants and Children
Do you know that kids can get Malaria too? Yes, they can and that is worrying.
Malaria can affect children of any age, and any child travelling to an area where malaria is present should take the prescribed precautions, which also involve taking an antimalarial drug. The dosage is also determined by the child’s weight.
Pregnancy, Preconception, and Breastfeeding
Malaria can be more serious in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. Malaria may lead to severe pregnancy complications such as prematurity, abortion, and stillbirth.
If you can’t avoid going to a dangerous place, you’ll need to use an appropriate chemoprophylaxis regimen. However, no preventive medication is 100% effective.
Please note the following risks, remember you’re not alone because you have a baby inside of you. Your baby’s health is your priority too!
Let’s Spread Awareness On Malaria
Remember, there is no vaccine for this disease. For now, we can’t travel outside of our country, however, if you do please take precautions before and after travelling.
This is not a light topic to be shared, but it’s crucial for us to understand and be aware of this disease which has taken many lives.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization