Malaria is one of the life-threatening parasitic infectious diseases, This disease mostly occurs due to a mosquito bite called anopheles which is found in tropical areas. When anopheles carry the plasmodium parasite and bite a healthy one, It transmits the parasite to him and he will be diseased.
The life cycle of malaria in human:
When the parasite enters the human body, it begins the life cycle in the blood going to the liver where it matures and multiples. Then the multiplier parasites return again to blood attacking the blood cells.
Transmission of malaria:
Mostly malaria is transmitted through the bite of female anopheles mosquito but it also can be transmitted from the diseased individuals to the healthy through several ways:Blood transfusion: If the transfused blood from a diseased one, the infection will occur.Organ transplantation: If the donated organ from a diseased one, the infection will occur.Using a used syringe of an infected person: This is common between drug abusers.From a pregnant woman to her infant through placenta.
The symptoms appear within 10 days to a month, or the parasite may still be inactive and no symptoms appear for several months.
Unfortunately the symptoms of diaseas are highly close to the respiratory and digestive disorders which make it difficult to be diagnosed.
General symptoms of malaria:
- Fever and high body temperature.
- Sweating and shivering.
- Seizures and cramps.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Bloody vomiting and diarrhea, this is because of the breakdown of the blood cells.
- Feeling fatigue and muscle pain.
- Exhaustion.
- ٍٍStomach ache.
But these symptoms are closely related to many symptoms, so it must be diagnosed.
Diagnosis of malaria:
Malaria diagnosis depends on:
- Case history including a mosquito bite or being in a tropical region.
- Clinical signs by following the signs appear on the patient and taking his body temperature measurement also the doctor can use sonar to see an enlarged liver or spleen.
- Blood examination ( testing).
- Hb testing.
Malaria treatment:
After touching on some hints of symptoms and how to be diagnosed. We will talk about the treatment which depends mainly on killing this parasite.
The treatment differs according to the type of parasite, severity of symptoms, age of the patient and if the patient is a pregnant woman.
- Medications combine between the active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil like: malarone.
- Drugs combine between doxycycline and quinine sulphate such as: vibramycin antibiotic.
- Color Sulphate derivatives are used for parasitic diseases treatment, but they are not effective on malaria.
But you should ask the doctor before taking any medications. And because protection is better than treatment, medical me advises you to take your preventive measures before travelling to any tropical area such as: Using mosquito net and placing it specially before bed, rubbing the body with anti-mosquito ointments, and consulting the doctor about the presence of an anti-malaria vaccine, but if you feel any of the symptoms of diaseas, start the treatment immediately.
Treatment in 2023
The treatment of malaria has evolved over the years, and as of 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following approaches:
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Antimalarial Drugs: The choice of antimalarial drugs depends on factors such as the species of Plasmodium, the patient’s age, and the severity of the infection. Common medications include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
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Intravenous Treatment: In severe cases or when oral medication cannot be tolerated, intravenous (IV) treatment may be necessary. This is typically done in a hospital setting.
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Prevention: Malaria prevention is as crucial as treatment. This includes the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial medications for travelers to endemic regions.
remains a significant global health concern, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it can be effectively managed. In 2023, healthcare providers have a range of antimalarial drugs at their disposal to combat this disease. However, prevention remains the most effective strategy, especially in endemic areas. Awareness of the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention are critical steps in the fight against this deadly disease.
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