Malaria

What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It produces recurrent attacks of chills and fever.

While uncommon in temperate climates, malaria is still prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. It kills an estimated 1 million people each year worldwide.

Symptoms

Signs typically begin a few weeks after being bitten. However, some parasites can lie dormant in the body for months or even years. Symptoms include:

• The "Malaria Attack": Moderate to severe shaking chills, followed by high fever, and finally profuse sweating as body temperature falls.
• Headache.
• Vomiting and Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle pain.

⚠️ TRAVELERS WARNING
If you experience a high fever while living in or after traveling to a high-risk malaria region, see a doctor immediately. Do not assume it is just the flu.

Causes: The Transmission Cycle

Malaria is caused by a microscopic parasite (Plasmodium). Here is how it infects the body:

1. Infection: An infected mosquito bites you and transmits parasites into your blood.
2. Liver Stage: The parasites travel to your liver, where they can lie dormant for up to a year.
3. Blood Stage: Mature parasites leave the liver and infect your red blood cells. This is when symptoms typically start.
4. Next Person: If an uninfected mosquito bites you now, it becomes infected and spreads it to the next person.

Other Modes of Transmission

Because the parasite lives in red blood cells, it can also be spread via:

• Mother to unborn child.
• Blood transfusions.
• Sharing needles.

Complications

Malaria can be fatal, particularly the variety common in Africa. Serious complications include:

• Cerebral Malaria: Parasite-filled blood cells block small blood vessels to the brain, causing swelling, brain damage, or coma.
• Breathing Problems: Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
• Organ Failure: Kidneys or liver may fail, or the spleen may rupture.
• Severe Anemia: Destruction of red blood cells leads to extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Low Blood Sugar: Severe malaria (and quinine treatment) can cause dangerous hypoglycemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed via blood tests which determine:

• The presence of the parasite.
• Which type of malaria parasite you have.
• If the infection is caused by a drug-resistant parasite.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the parasite type, severity of symptoms, and your age/pregnancy status. Common drugs include:

• Chloroquine (Aralen): The standard treatment, though many parasites are now resistant to it.
• Quinine Sulfate (Qualaquin): Often used when chloroquine doesn't work.
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
• Mefloquine.
• Artemisinin-based therapies: Often used for severe cases.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.