Malaria is caused by plasmodium parasites. Female anopheles mosquitos spread the parasites. When they bite an infected person, they take blood from that person and inject it into the next person that they bite. Malaria is common in warm humid climates. One of the most dangerous malaria parasites is plasmodium falciparum which is found in Africa. According to the World Health Organization, there were 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 deaths worldwide in 2021. Most of the cases and deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children under 5 years were the most vulnerable group.
Symptoms of Malaria start 5-10 after being infected and they include high fever, shaking with chills, sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, diarrhea, tiredness, body aches, confusion and bloody stool. Malaria can cause serious medical conditions such as jaundice, kidney failure and convulsions and can become life threatening quickly. It is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Doctors use blood tests to diagnose malaria. Blood test can also inform doctors about the type of malaria and the seriousness of the infection. This information is important because some types are drug resistant.
There are many anti-malaria drugs. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate drug based on the type and seriousness of the infection.
Malaria can be prevented by taking steps to avoid being bitten, destroying mosquito habitats, preventing breeding and eliminating adult mosquitoes.
Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants to protect against mosquito bites
Treat mosquito nets with repellent containing permethrin
Cover your bed with mosquito net
Place screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
Apply mosquito repellent with active ingredient DEET to your skin to protect against bites
Mosquitoes are not strong enough to fly against the current created by a fan. An oscillating fan works well against mosquitoes.
Mosquito lay eggs in standing water. Prevent breeding by removing all standing water around your home and yard. Examples are water in vases, buckets, tires, planters and gutters.
Add oil to standing water to drown mosquito eggs, larva and pupa.
Spray pesticides to control adult mosquito population
Trim trees and shrubs and grass because mosquitoes hide in these places
If you are traveling to a part of the world that has malaria, take medications to prevent malaria before, during and after your trip. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate preventive medicine.
In 2021, The World Health Organization recommended a malaria vaccine which has potential to save lives. The vaccine is being tested in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi and appears to be effective against the type of malaria found in sub-Sahara region.
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