WAYS TO COMBAT MALARIA

 

Malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anaemia. There are four important species of the malaria protozoa (plasmodisim falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale and plasmodium malariac) and each has a slightly different effect. These organisms are carried from person to person by the Anopheles mosquito. When it bites an infected person, the mosquito sucks up blood containing the parasite, which may then be passed onto the mosquito’s next victim.

 

SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA

The main symptom of malaria is a fever that occurs in regular episodes, with sweating and shivers (known as rigors), and exhaustion. In some cases, it can affect the brain or kidneys.

 WHO’S AT RISK OF MALARIA?

Malaria occurs where the Anopheles mosquito breeds, predominantly in rural tropical areas. From a UK perspective, it’s a threat to people traveling to malaria regions in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Central America. Malaria is a major killer in many countries where resources for prevention, proper diagnosis and drug treatments are lacking. If diagnosed promptly, it can be easily treated; but the symptoms can be vague.
On average, symptoms develop 10 days to four weeks after being bitten, but symptoms can appear up to a year later. The most severe form of the disease is cerebral malaria, which is fatal in up to six per cent of adults, mainly because it is not diagnosed until it is too late.

 

 

PREVENTING MALARIA

 

By far, the most important step is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using effective insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and full length trousers, and staying in accommodation with screen doors.

 

Closing windows as well as using an insecticide mosquito net will also help. Before you travel, check whether your holiday destination is affected by malaria. Keep your environment clean to avoid a breeding place for the malaria parasite.

 By Ruth Yakubu