WORLD MALARIA DAY
Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite which is called PLASMODIUM PARASITE. The parasite is transmitted to humans through bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria is common in tropical and sub tropical countries. Approximately 210 million people across the world are infected with this disease and about 440,000 die from this disease.
SYMPTOMS:
Most common symptoms in malaria are:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body ache
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
Some people experience cycles of malarial attacks which would be 6 – 12 hour period of cold and shivering with fever.
A BLOOD SAMPLE IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF MALARIA.
NOW ANTIGEN TESTS ARE AVALABLE THAT CAN CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF MALARIA WITHIN FEW MINUTES.IT IS DONE BY A BLOOD SMEAR EXAMINATION.
COMPLICATIONS:
- Severe Anemia
- Organ failure
- Cerebral Malaria ( seizures, abnormal behavior )
- Cardiovascular damage
- Low blood sugar levels
Prevention:
- Cover your body
- Always use a bed net impregnated with insecticides
- Use mosquito repellent to exposed areas
- Stay hygienic
- Make sure the house windows and rooms are closed properly
Treatment of Malaria:
- If malaria is diagnosed early then it can be treated with anti malarial drugs eg chloroquine , doxycycline.
- There is currently no vaccine is available to treat malaria.