Yesterday was Malaria Day. Here’s how to help yourself and your family keep malaria at bay
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite, which is transmitted into the human body by the bite of certain type of mosquito — female Anopheles mosquito (common in warmer countries) — which feeds on human blood. Malaria is a disease which can be prevented and treated.
Plasmodium vivax, plasmodium malariae, plasmodium ovale, plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium knowlesi are five types of malaria. In India, most of the infection is due to plasmodium vivax. It is a milder form of the disease. In this, the parasite has a liver stage (the parasite travels to human’s liver to grow and multiply) which remains in the body for many years. So it is necessary for the patient to take the treatment. If not treated, then the chances of relapse or re-activation (after months or years) without the presence of any symptoms.
Malaria cannot be transferred from one person to another. It is caused by the infected mosquito. Immunity of the person plays an important role in the severity of malaria. Malaria can be transmitted from mother to child (congenital malaria), by blood transfusion or by using needles for drug use. Young children and infants, travellers coming to a malaria prone area are at risk of getting it.
Symptoms
High fever
Chills (moderate to severe)
Sweating
Headache and tiredness
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Other common symptoms like muscle pain, dry cough, back pain and enlarged spleen.
The symptoms of the infection begin within a few weeks or may also appear after a year. But some of the parasites’ incubation period (time between infected and appearance of symptom) can last from months to years.
Tests
Blood test is done to see if there is presence of parasite and Complete Blood Checkup (CBC). Other tests done are liver test (for liver damage) and blood glucose test.
Medications
After confirmation of malaria, with the prescription of doctor, anti-malarial drugs should be taken and the course of medications should be completed. Medicines are prescribed depending on the geographical region where there are chances of exposure.
Preventive measures
Prevention of malaria is done by keeping mosquitoes at bay. Follow these guidelines:
If you are travelling to any place where malaria is present, then take preventive care by taking medications prescribed by a doctor.
Keep your home free from mosquitoes by treating your walls with insecticides.
Sleep under a net sprayed or soaked in an insecticide.
You can avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors at night, preferably in an air-conditioned room.
Avoid staying or spending more time near areas like waste dumps, contaminated water or still water.
Wear clothes which cover your hands and legs fully.
Use insect repellent containing DEET on your skin. If you are using sunscreen, then apply sunscreen first and then the repellent after that.
Use insect spray around sleeping area.
Content provided by Oxygen Media. To know more visit, www.oxygenliving.com and www.lifespanindia.com; also visit: dnaindia.com
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