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Malaria: Key Facts You Need to Know

3 min read
Malaria: Key Facts You Need to Know

Today is World Malaria Day, and we want to raise awareness about this life-threatening disease. Check out our latest article to learn the key facts about malaria and how we can work together to prevent it." #WorldMalariaDay #EndMalaria

Malaria, a potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitos, is common in tropical locations around the world. In this post, we will look at some of the most important information concerning malaria, such as its symptoms, disease burden, prevention, and therapy.

Malaria: Overview

Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitos, which is caused by a parasite that affects humans. The disease can also be transmitted by blood transfusions or contaminated needles. Malaria symptoms range from moderate to severe, and may include fever, chills, headache, lethargy, disorientation, convulsions, and difficulty breathing.

Infants, children under the age of five, pregnant women, travellers, and individuals with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection. Malaria can be avoided by avoiding insect bites and taking treatments. In mild situations, early treatment can prevent the infection from progressing.

Malaria Symptoms

Malaria symptoms might occur within 10-15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Early signs include fever, headache, and chills, though some people may experience minor symptoms if they have already had malaria. It is critical to get tested early because some symptoms are not unique to malaria.

Aedes aegypti or yellow fever mosquito sucking blood on skin,Macro close up show markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax Aedes aegypti or yellow fever mosquito sucking blood on skin,Macro close up show markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax asian malaria stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Image source: iStock

If you have severe symptoms such as extreme exhaustion and fatigue, altered consciousness, multiple convulsions, difficulty breathing, dark or bloody urine, jaundice, or abnormal bleeding, get emergency medical attention. Malaria during pregnancy can result in early labour or a baby of low birth weight.

Disease Burden

According to the most recent World Malaria report, there will be 247 million cases of malaria in 2021, with 619,000 deaths. In 2020-2021, COVID-related interruptions resulted in approximately 13 million extra malaria cases and 63,000 more malaria fatalities.

Malaria is the most prevalent in the WHO African Region, with children under the age of five accounting for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the region. Over half of all malaria deaths occurred in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Nigeria.

Prevention

Malaria can be avoided by avoiding insect bites and taking treatments. Sleeping under mosquito nets in malaria-prone locations, using mosquito repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin, coils and vaporizers, protective clothing, and window screens can all reduce your chance of contracting malaria.

Insect Repellent Lotions and Bug Sprays Phoenix, Arizona, United States - June 21, 2011: A collection of bug sprays and lotions are displayed on a tree stump.  Insect repellants are important to ourdoorsmen and to those trying to avoid contracting mosquite-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and encephalitis. DEET stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Image source: iStock

Indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets are extremely successful at preventing infection and disease transmission. Travellers to malaria-endemic areas are advised to begin chemoprophylaxis several weeks before departure.

Treatment for Malaria

Malaria is treatable, and treating mild cases early might prevent the infection from becoming severe. The parasites that cause malaria can be killed by antimalarial medicines. Treatment options vary according to the kind of malaria and the severity of the infection.

Severe instances may necessitate hospitalisation as well as injectable treatments. To avoid re-infection, it is critical to complete the entire course of therapy and implement preventive measures.

Conclusion

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that has a severe public health impact, particularly in the WHO African Region. Avoiding mosquito bites, taking treatments, and vector control are all preventive methods. Early detection and treatment can help to avoid serious problems and limit the chance of transmission. We can work together to lower the occurrence of malaria and enhance world health by adhering to these fundamental facts and practises.

World Health Organization

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