Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted through infected mosquito bites. Once in the body, the parasite multiplies in the liver before infecting red blood cells.
Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, which is infected after biting an infected person. On biting an infected person, a small amount of blood containing microscopic malaria parasites enters the mosquito. A week later, when the same mosquito bites another person, the parasites mix with the mosquito’s saliva and are injected into the victim.
As malaria parasite is found in red blood cells, it can also be transmitted through organ transplant, blood transfusion and sharing of needles and syringes. An infected mother can also transmit malaria to her unborn infant before or during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Malarial symptoms include headache, muscle pain, tiredness, chills, fever, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Sometime, the loss of red blood cells may also lead to anemia and jaundice.
All malarial symptoms manifest itself 10 – 15 days after the mosquito bite and if not treated, can lead to life-threatening consequences by disrupting blood supply to vital organs. In fact, if Plasmodium falciparum induced malaria is not promptly treated, it can lead to kidney failure, coma, seizures, mental confusion and even death.
Diagnosis
Microscopy and nucleic acid amplification tests are generally performed to diagnose malaria. These tests require well-equipped laboratories; so where this is not available, malaria is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms. However this can lead to a misdiagnosis of the condition, and consequent prescription of unnecessary and expensive medication.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, malaria is treated using antimalarial drugs and medications to control its other symptoms like fever, fluids. Even electrolytes and perhaps anti seizure medications may be prescribed, if required.
It is based on the severity of the disease and likelihood of chloroquine resistance that the type of medication is chosen for treating malaria. Chloroquine, doxycycline, atovaquone, quinidine and mefloquine are the drugs most commonly used for treating malaria.
As people suffering from falciparum malaria have the most severe symptoms, they may have to be monitored in the intensive care unit of a hospital in the first few days of treatment.
In case of pregnant women, chloroquine is usually used for treating malaria and in cases where there is chloroquine resistance; the doctor may prescribe quinine, clindamycin and proguanil for treating malaria.
Lately, a Japanese company has launched a long lasting mosquito net that is environment friendly, and customized to provide its user with protection from malaria for five years. These nets are available at the local supermarket while plans are on way to produce cheaper nets in the market to make it affordable to low income earners, who are most affected by malaria menace.