Malaria usually appears through the bite of an infected mosquito. The sting enables small parasites to enter the bloodstream. The spread of malaria extends from Africa to South Asia and even to some parts of Europe and the Pacific Islands, and does not exclude any population group, but it strikes severely among young children and the elderly (1). Living in places with high rates of malaria requires individuals to be extremely careful. For those who have experienced malaria or are at risk, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. Preventive measures such as mosquito repellent, mosquito nets and appropriate clothing are very helpful. For travellers to places with a high risk of malaria, preventive medications are often recommended.
Malaria Symptoms
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, severe shivering, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue (1,2). As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can appear, such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, and digestive distress. In its most severe form, malaria can cause anaemia, jaundice, and even cerebral malaria, which can lead to coma and contribute significantly to mortality (1,2,). The onset of symptoms varies, appearing anywhere from ten days to a year after the initial mosquito bite.
Malaria Diagnosis
Diagnosing malaria requires a combination of a comprehensive medical examination and laboratory tests. Health care providers will evaluate the patient's medical history and symptoms and use blood tests to confirm the presence of malaria parasites (2).
Malaria Treatment
Identifying the type of malaria is very useful in determining the most effective treatment strategies. Treatment usually includes a regimen of antimalarial medications, such as artemisinin, chloroquine, doxycycline, and others. The choice of drug depends on the specific species of malaria parasites involved and the potential for drug resistance of the parasites (2).
References
Gema Ruíz López del Prado, Cristina Hernán García, Lourdes Moreno Cea, Virginia Fernández, Espinilla, Fe Muñoz Moreno, Antonio Delgado Márquez, José Polo Polo, Irene Andrés García, Malaria in developing countries, (2014), The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, volume 8, issue 1. (PDF) Malaria in developing countries (researchgate.net)
Louis H Miller, Hans C Ackerman, Xin-zhuan Su, and Thomas E Wellems (2013) Nature Medicine, volume 19, issue 2, pages 156–167. Malaria biology and disease pathogenesis: insights for new treatments - PMC (nih.gov)
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