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Stay Safe This Monsoon: Essential Tips for Malaria-Free Travel in High-Risk Areas

by Dr. Shruthi R August 20, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

Discover vital precautions to protect yourself from malaria while traveling to endemic regions this monsoon. Follow these expert tips to ensure a safe and healthy journey.

Monsoon season brings a refreshing change in weather, turning the landscape into lush greenery and filling rivers and lakes with new life. However, this season also brings with it the increased risk of diseases, particularly vector-borne illnesses such as malaria. Traveling to malaria-endemic areas during the monsoon can be exciting but poses significant health risks if precautions are not taken. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. To ensure your safety and well-being while traveling, it is essential to be well-informed and prepared. This guide provides practical safety tips to help you stay protected against malaria during your travels this monsoon.

Understanding Malaria: The Basics

Before diving into the safety tips, it’s important to understand what malaria is, how it spreads, and its symptoms. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are five Plasmodium species that cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly.

Symptoms of malaria usually appear 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, malaria can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, and death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and fatalities.

Research Your Destination

Before traveling to any destination, it is crucial to research whether the area is malaria-endemic. Malaria is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Oceania. The risk of malaria transmission is typically higher in rural areas, but urban centers in these regions are not immune.

Start by checking the latest travel advisories and health recommendations from reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or your country’s health department. These organizations provide up-to-date information on malaria risk by country, recommended preventive measures, and available medical facilities.

Consult a Travel Health Specialist

Once you’ve identified your destination as a malaria-endemic area, it’s time to consult a travel health specialist or your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, travel plans, and the specific risks associated with your destination.

Your healthcare provider may recommend antimalarial medication, which can be taken before, during, and after your trip to reduce the risk of contracting malaria. The type of antimalarial drug prescribed will depend on various factors, including the strain of malaria prevalent in the area, potential drug resistance, and any allergies or medical conditions you may have. Commonly prescribed antimalarial drugs include chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, and atovaquone-proguanil.

It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule for antimalarial medication strictly. Some medications need to be started a few days before travel and continued for a certain period after returning home to ensure full protection.

Pack Appropriately for Mosquito Protection

Packing the right items is crucial for protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Here’s a list of essential items to include in your travel kit:

Insect Repellent: Choose a repellent containing DEET (at least 20-30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to exposed skin and clothing, especially during the evening and night when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.
Long-Sleeved Clothing: Pack light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing can help reduce your attractiveness to them.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing: Consider treating your clothing and gear (such as tents, sleeping bags, and shoes) with permethrin, an insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes. Permethrin-treated clothing can provide an additional layer of protection.
Mosquito Nets: If you’ll be staying in accommodations that lack proper screens or air conditioning, carry a permethrin-treated mosquito net to sleep under. Ensure that the net is free of holes and securely tucked under the mattress to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Portable Mosquito Coils and Vaporizers: These devices can help keep mosquitoes away from your living space. Use them in your room, tent, or outdoor seating area to create a mosquito-free zone.
First Aid Kit: Include a basic first aid kit with supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescribed medication. In case you develop symptoms of malaria, having a fever reducer on hand can help manage symptoms until you can seek medical attention.

Take Preventive Measures While Traveling

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s important to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to minimize your risk of mosquito bites.

Choose Accommodation Wisely: Opt for accommodations with air conditioning, screened windows, and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your room. If air conditioning is not available, ensure that windows and doors are properly screened or use a mosquito net while sleeping.
Avoid Mosquito Breeding Sites: Anopheles mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s important to avoid areas with standing water, such as ponds, marshes, and uncovered water containers. If possible, choose accommodations that are located away from such areas.
Apply Insect Repellent Regularly: Reapply insect repellent as needed, especially after swimming, sweating, or spending extended periods outdoors. Make sure to apply it to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and hands.
Wear Protective Clothing: Continue wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Tucking your pants into your socks can provide additional protection.
Use Mosquito Nets: If you’re staying in a location without proper screening, use a mosquito net while sleeping. Ensure that the net is securely tucked in and that there are no gaps through which mosquitoes can enter.
Stay Indoors During Peak Mosquito Activity: Try to stay indoors during peak mosquito activity hours, typically between dusk and dawn. If you must be outdoors during these times, take extra precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.

Be Aware of the Symptoms of Malaria

Despite taking all necessary precautions, it’s still possible to contract malaria, especially in high-risk areas. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

Fever and Chills: Sudden onset of fever and chills is a common symptom of malaria. The fever may be intermittent or constant and can be accompanied by sweating.
Headache: Severe headache is often associated with malaria and can be debilitating.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can occur along with fever and chills and may lead to dehydration if not managed properly.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Muscle aches and joint pain are common symptoms of malaria and can be mistaken for flu-like symptoms.
Fatigue: Malaria can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
Jaundice: In severe cases, malaria can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) due to the destruction of red blood cells.
Seizures and Coma: In rare and severe cases, malaria can affect the brain and cause seizures or coma. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

If you experience any of these symptoms during or after your trip, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the risk of severe illness or death.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention if Symptoms Arise

If you develop symptoms of malaria, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Malaria can progress rapidly, and early treatment is essential for a positive outcome.

When seeking medical care, inform the healthcare provider of your recent travel history, including the areas you visited and the time spent there. This information will help the healthcare provider assess your risk of malaria and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.

The diagnosis of malaria is typically confirmed through a blood test that detects the presence of Plasmodium parasites. If malaria is confirmed, the healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate antimalarial medication based on the type of malaria parasite, the severity of the illness, and any drug resistance patterns in the area where you traveled.

It’s important to complete the full course of prescribed antimalarial medication, even if you start feeling better before finishing the treatment. This ensures that all parasites are eliminated from your body and reduces the risk of relapse or the development of drug-resistant strains.

Post-Travel Precautions

Even after you return home, it’s important to remain vigilant for any symptoms of malaria. The incubation period for malaria can vary, and symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after your return.

If you experience any symptoms suggestive of malaria after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and inform your healthcare provider of your recent travel history. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.

Traveling to malaria-endemic areas during the monsoon season can be an enriching and memorable experience, but it requires careful planning and precautionary measures to ensure your safety. By understanding the risks of malaria, consulting with a travel health specialist, packing the right protective gear, and taking preventive measures during your trip, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.

Remember that malaria is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Being aware of the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention if they arise is crucial for a positive outcome. By following these practical safety tips, you can enjoy your travels while staying protected against malaria this monsoon season.

Safe travels!

August 20, 2024 0 comment

Is it Dengue, Chikungunya, or Malaria? Know These Sign To Identify at Home

Men Issue News

IS IT DENGUE, CHIKUNGUNYA, OR MALARIA? KNOW THESE SIGNS TO IDENTIFY AT HOME

by Anshika Mishra August 15, 2024

written by Anshika Mishra

With mosquitoes buzzing around, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria are prevalent diseases they can spread. Though these illnesses share some symptoms, they each have unique traits that help in distinguishing them. Dengue often presents with sudden high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain, while chikungunya is known for intense joint pain and rash following a high fever. Malaria typically causes recurring fevers, chills, and sweats. Recognizing these differences is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

1.Dengue

Often dubbed “breakbone fever,” dengue is notorious for causing intense muscle and joint pain. This viral infection has an incubation period of four to 10 days following a mosquito bite. The onset of dengue is marked by a sudden, high fever, which can soar to 104°F (40°C). Alongside the fever, you might experience a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and a skin rash that typically appears two to five days after the fever starts. This rash can spread across the body, adding to the discomfort.

Additional symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding. The most distinctive feature of dengue is the excruciating pain behind the eyes, combined with a characteristic two-phase fever: your temperature spikes, then drops, only to rise again.

If you’re experiencing high fever along with severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and a rash, it’s crucial to get tested for dengue. The optimal time for testing is around the fourth day of illness, using a blood test to detect the presence of the virus or antibodies. Early diagnosis is vital because dengue can advance to severe dengue, which is more dangerous and may lead to complications like plasma leakage, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, and even organ failure.

2.Chikungunya

Chikungunya typically manifests four to eight days after a mosquito bite. The disease is marked by a sudden onset of fever, often reaching 102°F (39°C), accompanied by severe joint pain. Unlike dengue, where joint pain may be intense but temporary, chikungunya’s joint pain is notably more severe and can persist for weeks or even months after the fever subsides. This prolonged joint pain is a key distinguishing feature of chikungunya and can become chronic, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

In addition to joint pain, chikungunya symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, rash, and swelling around the affected joints. These symptoms collectively contribute to a significant discomfort and can greatly affect your overall well-being.

If you experience a sudden high fever combined with intense joint pain, it is crucial to get tested for chikungunya. Blood tests can identify the virus within the first few days of symptom onset, allowing for prompt diagnosis. Although there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, early diagnosis is essential for managing symptoms effectively. Treatment primarily focuses on alleviating joint pain and other symptoms to improve comfort and aid recovery.

3.Malaria

Malaria symptoms generally surface 10 to 15 days following a mosquito bite. The disease is characterized by a distinct cyclic pattern of fever, which occurs in three stages: the cold stage, marked by intense shivering; the hot stage, featuring high fever; and the sweating stage, where sweating occurs and body temperature returns to normal. This fever cycle often recurs every two to three days, varying with the specific parasite responsible for the infection.

In addition to the cyclical fever, malaria can cause chills, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and in some cases, jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Severe malaria can lead to serious complications such as anemia, seizures, kidney failure, and even coma, making early intervention crucial.

If you notice a fever with a cyclic pattern, along with chills and sweating, especially if you’ve recently traveled to or resided in a malaria-endemic region, it’s vital to get tested promptly. Malaria is diagnosed through a blood test that detects the presence of the parasite responsible for the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing symptoms and preventing potentially severe complications.

If you experience symptoms like high fever and severe pain behind the eyes, you might have dengue, while chikungunya is marked by intense joint pain that can persist for months. Malaria, on the other hand, involves a cyclic fever pattern with chills, high fever, and sweating. Dengue typically causes a rash and mild bleeding, chikungunya is distinguished by prolonged joint pain, and malaria features recurring fever stages. If you notice these symptoms, especially after mosquito exposure or travel to endemic areas, seek medical attention immediately. Accurate testing is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

August 15, 2024 0 comment

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Monsoon Mosquitos: Don’t Get Caught Out! Watch Video for Powerful Dengue & Malaria Prevention Tips

by Dr. Shruthi R July 1, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

The risk of dengue and malaria increases during the rainy season. In such a situation, the most important thing is to protect yourself. In this video, every way to avoid dengue and malaria has been explained. If you do not want to avoid any kind of serious disease, then you will have to adopt these methods. Watch the video till the end for more information.

The pitter-patter of rain brings relief from the scorching heat, but it also ushers in a season of heightened risks – dengue and malaria. These mosquito-borne diseases become more prevalent during the monsoon months due to the ideal breeding grounds created by stagnant water and increased humidity.

This isn’t a reason to dread the rains! By understanding the threats and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of contracting dengue or malaria. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the monsoon:

Why Dengue and Malaria Thrive in the Rainy Season

Mosquito Mania: The primary culprit behind both diseases is the mosquito. Stagnant water left behind by puddles, clogged drains, and overflowing containers becomes a breeding haven for these pesky insects.
- Dengue: Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti, are the carriers of dengue. These mosquitoes thrive in urban areas and prefer to bite during the day, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Malaria: The Anopheles mosquito transmits malaria. Unlike Aedes mosquitoes, Anopheles are more active at night and breed in freshwater sources like ponds, marshes, and even clogged gutters.
Perfect Breeding Conditions: The monsoon season provides the ideal temperature range and humidity levels for mosquito breeding. Warmer temperatures accelerate mosquito development, leading to a population explosion.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for both dengue and malaria. Here’s a breakdown of the common symptoms:

Dengue:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash (may appear after a few days)
Malaria:
- High fever with chills and sweating
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms during the monsoon, especially after a mosquito bite, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection can prevent complications and lead to a faster recovery.

Taking Control: Protective Measures Against Dengue and Malaria

Now comes the empowering part – how to shield yourself from these monsoon threats:

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds: This is the key to prevention. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Around your home: Empty and clean all containers that hold stagnant water, including flower pots, old tires, and discarded utensils. Ensure proper drainage in your surroundings and clear clogged gutters.
- Community effort: Advocate for improved sanitation in your neighborhood. Work with local authorities to address stagnant water issues in public areas.
Embrace Mosquito Repellents: Apply a DEET-based repellent (follow recommended concentrations) to exposed skin when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk). Consider using mosquito repellent patches or bracelets for added protection.
Dress for Defense: Wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants whenever possible, especially during evenings and outings. Opt for light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors.
Sleeping Under a Net: When sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito populations, use a treated mosquito net. Ensure the net is tucked securely under your mattress to prevent mosquito entry.
Indoor Protection: Keep doors and windows closed, especially during dusk and dawn. Consider using insect screens on windows and doors for added protection.

Beyond Prevention: Additional Tips

Strengthen Your Immune System: A healthy immune system is better equipped to fight off infections. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get enough sleep and exercise regularly to keep your immune system functioning optimally.
Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake helps flush out toxins and keeps you healthy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during the hot and humid monsoon months.
Be Wary of Unfamiliar Water: Avoid stagnant water sources like puddles and marshes. When traveling to areas with high malaria risk, consult a doctor about antimalarial medication.

July 1, 2024 0 comment

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Serum Institute Ships First Set of Malaria Vaccine to Africa

by Dr. Shruthi R May 21, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

The Serum Institute of India has shipped its first batch of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccines to Africa, marking a major milestone in the global fight against malaria. This collaboration with Oxford University and Novavax aims to deliver affordable and effective vaccines to malaria-endemic regions, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced the shipment of its first batch of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccines to Africa. This significant step marks a major milestone in the fight against malaria, particularly in malaria-endemic regions.

The initial shipment is destined for the Central African Republic (CAR), with subsequent deliveries planned for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The CAR region will receive a total of 1,63,800 doses, of which 43,200 doses are being dispatched today from SII’s facility.

The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was developed through a collaboration between the Jenner Institute at Oxford University, SII, and Novavax. It leverages Novavax’s saponin-based adjuvant technology and received support from several prestigious organizations, including the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

To date, SII has manufactured 25 million doses of the vaccine, with plans to scale up to 100 million doses annually. This effort aims to address the substantial malaria burden, particularly in the WHO Africa region, which accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths in 2022.

The vaccine has received WHO recommendation for use in children, demonstrating high efficacy in its Phase 3 trials. John C. Jacobs, President and CEO of Novavax, emphasized the importance of this vaccine in mitigating the devastating health and economic impacts of malaria, which claims the lives of 1,300 children daily.

Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India, highlighted the innovative collaboration between the US and India, which has led to the development of quality, affordable vaccines. Umesh Shaligram, executive director of R&D at SII, praised the dedicated workforce at SII and the partnership with Novavax and Oxford University. This collaboration underscores the importance of innovation, affordability, and accessibility in tackling global health challenges.

The shipment of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is a testament to the power of global collaboration and a significant step towards a world free from the burden of malaria. The vaccine’s deployment is expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives annually, making a profound impact on global health.

May 21, 2024 0 comment

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Scientists have discovered why malaria immunisation loses its effectiveness after short period of time

by Medically Speaking June 22, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

The German Cancer Research Center investigated the human immune response to the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum vaccination. Their results might explain why natural illnesses, to which individuals in endemic regions are repeatedly exposed, provide little protection against new diseases with various strains, and why the efficacy of current vaccinations is only temporary.

Despite great gains in malaria management, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 600,000 people die from the tropical illness each year. The pathogen Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the great majority of fatal cases of malaria. There is now just one authorised vaccination against this single-celled organism, and its efficiency, which is already rather poor, is short-lived.

CSP, the quantitatively dominating protein on the surface of “sporozoites,” is the target of the vaccination. Sporozoites are the stage of the malaria infection that enters human blood after being transmitted via mosquito bite.

“To develop the vaccine, we must first determine which protective antibodies are stimulated by inoculation. However, the generation of such antibodies is heavily reliant on the assistance of so-called follicular T helper cells “Hedda Wardemann of the German Cancer Research Center concurs. “They make certain that B cells differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells and memory B cells.”

The team lead by DKFZ immunologist Wardemann studied the blood of volunteers infected with deceased P. falciparum sporozoites from the vaccine strain to explore the T helper cell response to CSP in depth. The subjects were of European ancestry and had no previous exposure to malaria infections.

Also Read: India reported 12,249 new COVID cases and 13 fatalities

The researchers examined single cells of generated Plasmodium-specific follicular T helper cells. They concentrated their research on which CSP sequences are recognised by T helper cell receptors in particular.

The findings indicated that T-cell receptors mostly targeted CSP amino acids 311 to 333. Another finding astounded the researchers: there was almost little cross-reactivity between the various T-cell clones.

“The receptors bind only the CSP epitopes of the vaccination strain in question. In several circumstances, variations of only one amino acid component were not permitted “Wardemann elaborates.

The immunologist points out that sequence variations in this area of the CSP are common in the wild population of P. falciparum.

“The specificity of the T-cell clones precludes naturally recurrent pathogen infections from functioning as a natural ‘booster.’ This might explain why the malaria vaccine’s protective effect wears off so soon “Wardemann explained. The researcher suggests that future vaccine development should investigate whether activating a broader range of T helper cells might result in longer-lasting immune protection.

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June 22, 2022 0 comment

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WHO nod to world’s first anti-malaria vaccine

by Medically Speaking Team October 7, 2021

written by Medically Speaking Team

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that children in Sub-Saharan Africa and other places with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission get the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine.
According to a WHO news release, the advice is based on the findings of an ongoing pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi that has touched over 8,00,000 children since 2019.

“This is a historic moment. The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year,” he added.

Malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa.More than 2,60,000 African children under the age of five die from malaria annually.

In recent years, WHO and its partners have been reporting a stagnation in progress against the deadly disease.

“For centuries, malaria has stalked sub-Saharan Africa, causing immense personal suffering,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“We have long hoped for an effective malaria vaccine and now for the first time ever, we have such a vaccine recommended for widespread use. Today’s recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease and we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults,” Dr Moeti said.

The recommendation is based on the advice of two WHO global advisory bodies, one for immunization and the other for malaria.

“WHO recommends that in the context of comprehensive malaria control the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine be used for the prevention of P falciparum malaria in children living in regions with moderate to high transmission as defined by WHO.RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of four doses in children from five months of age for the reduction of malaria disease and burden,” the release said.

October 7, 2021 0 comment

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Reaching Zero Malaria Target – WHO celebrates World Malaria Day 2021

by Medically Speaking Team April 25, 2021

written by Medically Speaking Team

April 25 is celebrated as World Malaria Day each year and this year the theme has been declared by World Health Day as ‘Reaching the Zero Malaria Target’ and thus WHO and its partners mark this day by celebrating the achievements of countries that are approaching – and achieving – malaria elimination.

They provide inspiration for all nations that are working to stamp out this deadly disease and improve the health and livelihoods of their populations.

Malaria

Malaria is a life threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, 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.

World Malaria Day History

The idea of World Malaria Day was developed from Africa Malaria Day. The Africa Malaria day is basically an event that has been observed by African governments since 2001, first held in 2008. In 2007, at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, a meeting sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) proposed that Africa Malaria Day be changed to World Malaria Day.

What causes Malaria?

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

an organ transplant
a transfusion
use of shared needles or syringes

Symptoms of Malaria

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.

Common symptoms 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

Diagnosis

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.

These tests will show:

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

Treatment

Malaria can be a life-threatening condition, especially if you’re infected with the parasite P. falciparum. Treatment for the disease is typically provided in a hospital. Your doctor will prescribe medications based on the type of parasite that you have.

In some instances, the medication prescribed may not clear the infection because of parasite resistance to drugs. If this occurs, your doctor may need to use more than one medication or change medications altogether to treat your condition.

Additionally, certain types of malaria parasites, such as P. vivax and P. ovale, have liver stages where the parasite can live in your body for an extended period of time and reactivate at a later date causing a relapse of the infection.

If you’re found to have one of these types of malaria parasites, you’ll be given a second medication to prevent a relapse in the future.

Medications

The most common antimalarial drugs include:

Chloroquine phosphate. Chloroquine is the preferred treatment for any parasite that is sensitive to the drug. But in many parts of the world, parasites are resistant to chloroquine, and the drug is no longer an effective treatment.
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). ACT is a combination of two or more drugs that work against the malaria parasite in different ways. This is usually the preferred treatment for chloroquine-resistant malaria. Examples include artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem) and artesunate-mefloquine.

Other common antimalarial drugs include:

Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
Quinine sulfate (Qualaquin) with doxycycline (Oracea, Vibramycin, others)
Primaquine phosphate

April 25, 2021 0 comment