MALARIA: FAQS, Facts And 6 Measure On How To Fight It

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

The condition affects about half of the world’s population, but it especially threatens unborn children and expectant moms. Better diagnosis and treatment of the disease, as well as efficient preventative measures like bed nets sprayed with insecticide and a recently developed malaria vaccine, are helping to defeat malaria. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic’s interruptions have increased incidence and fatalities, highlighting the difficulties of treating malaria.

WHAT IS MALARIA, AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito must have acquired the parasite by previously biting a person who carries the parasite in their blood. The parasites multiply in the infected person’s liver before ultimately infecting and destroying red blood cells.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms include a high fever, chills, headache, and vomiting. These flu-like symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after an infected mosquito bites a person.

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If untreated, it can become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. Signs of severe the disease include very pale skin, severe vomiting, and convulsions.

Some people who have the disease experience cycles of the disease “attacks.” An attack usually starts with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, followed by sweating and a return to normal temperature.

Signs and symptoms of the disease typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some types of the disease-causing parasites can remain dormant in the body for up to a year.

WHY IS MALARIA ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN?

During pregnancy, a mother’s infection can lead to low birth weight and infant mortality. Newborns in malaria-prone areas acquire some immunity from their mothers, but it wanes after about three months. In places where malaria is prevalent, children who survive multiple infections often become partially immune by the time they’re between 2 and 5 years old. That’s why the most severe malaria cases tend to affect children under 5, before they have had time to build up sufficient immunity.

There are four types of the disease-causing parasites, known as Plasmodium. Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and is the most common type found in Africa and South Asia.

Additionally, children with the disease are at a higher risk of developing anemia, which can be fatal if left untreated.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PREVENTATIVE MEASURES?

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To prevent malaria in countries where it is endemic, several effective strategies can be used:

1. Sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal bed nets: Using insecticide-treated bed nets can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites, which in turn can reduce the risk of transmission of diseases such as the disease.
2. Taking Anti-malarial medications: Pregnant women, in particular, can take antimalarial medications to prevent infections that could endanger their lives and the health of their unborn children.
3. Eliminating standing water: Cleaning up stagnant water around dwellings helps eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes, which reduces their population and potential for spreading of the diseases.
4. Indoor spraying with insecticide: Indoor spraying of insecticides effectively kills mosquitoes and rapidly reduces transmission in affected areas.
5. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate medications can reduce the chances of a mosquito-borne illness becoming severe or life-threatening.
6. Vaccination: The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine is considered a major breakthrough in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, especially for children’s health. Developed after years of research, the vaccine targets the deadliest malaria parasite and reduces the risk of severe illness and death from the disease. It’s a significant step towards reducing the impact of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you experience a fever after traveling to or living in a high-risk region for mosquito-borne diseases, it’s important to consult a doctor. If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical attention.

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