MALARIA

“Malaria” is one of the most prevalent diseases in tropical countries. More than 100 countries are at risk; with Africa and the South Eastern regions being the major ones. The disease malaria is caused by “Plasmodium Parasite” and spread by the female infected mosquitoes.  The severity of the disease varies based on the species of the “Plasmodium Parasite”. To date, “Malaria” is considered to be the cause of high mortality rates in various parts of the world. It is noted that the disease is not contagious; however, this disease can be transmitted through blood transfusion, or organ transplant, etc. The fight against Malaria started at a global level in the year 1955 and it is still on the go.

What is Malaria?

It is a severe disease that is caused by the “Plasmodium Parasite” and it gets transmitted to human beings through the infected female mosquito bite. The species of mosquito that transmits the disease is “Anopheles”. A person affected by this disease suffers from high fever and shivering and it can be fatal if not treated at the early stage. There are four types of malaria parasites that affect the human body namely: “Plasmodium falciparum”, “P. vivax”,“P. ovale” and “P. malariae”. It is considered that the “Plasmodium falciparum” parasite is the most dangerous one and it can be severely damaging if it is not treated within 24 hours. 

Carriers of Malaria

“Malaria” is caused by “Plasmodium Parasite”. There are various types of this parasite namely: “Plasmodium falciparum”, “Plasmodium vivax”, “Plasmodium Ovale” and “Plasmodium Malariae”. 

“Plasmodium falciparum” is the most common and deadly type of parasite which is responsible for the maximum number of deaths throughout the world.

“Plasmodium vivax” is a parasite that is not as severe as “Plasmodium falciparum” though it can stay in the lever of the affected person for approximately 3 years.

“Plasmodium Ovale” is not usually found in most parts of the world. It can be majorly detected in the African regions. However, it is dangerous because it can stay in the host’s liver for several years without showing any kind of symptoms.

“Plasmodium Malariae” is rarely found in most parts of the world. Though, it is prevalent in African regions. The warm and humid climate helps this rare kind of parasite thrive.

Symptoms of Malaria

The visibility of the symptoms of “Malaria” usually takes a time period of 7-10 days (known as the incubation period). The types of symptoms visible at the initial stage usually involve high temperature, headaches, vomiting, muscle pains, and diarrhea. There are differences in the visibility of the symptoms based on the type of parasite. In some cases, it may take only 48 hours for the symptoms to be visible and in some other cases, it may take as long as a year. In the initial stage, the symptoms are usually mild. It may involve mild fever and headache. The severe “Plasmodium Parasite” may develop severe symptoms such as organ failure and breathing issues depending on the delay in treatment.

Transmission of Malaria 

The transmission of “Malaria” begins when an infected female mosquito “Anopheles” bites a human being. The female mosquito injects the “Plasmodium Parasites” into the host’s body in the form of “Sporozoites”. The injection is directly into the bloodstream of the host’s body. The “Sporozoites” pass into the liver of the host. It usually takes 7-10 days for the parasite to asexually develop in the host’s body without portraying any symptoms. From the liver, the parasite moves to the heart and lungs of the host. The blood vessels gradually get fragmented. As the blood vessel gets disintegrated and the entire cycle of the parasite’s movement is repeated in the host’s body. Therefore the host starts feeling the various symptoms and sickness takes a toll on the host.

Treatment

The treatment of “Malaria” should be done at a very early stage. A person who feels any of the symptoms such as high fever, nausea, headache, vomiting, etc should take medical help. The symptoms of “Malaria” are quite similar to that of normal flu and this may be misleading the affected person. “Malaria” being a life-threatening disease if not treated at a very early age makes it mandatory for the affected person to get it diagnosed at the right time. When treated at the right time the affected person can recover and lead a healthy life.

There are various types of drugs available based on the type of parasite that has affected the host’s body. Lab tests such as “Rapid Diagnostic Tests” are prescribed by the doctors for diagnosing the type of parasite and based on that the medicines are prescribed. The various drugs that are generally prescribed are “Artemisinin”, “Atovaquone”, “Chloroquine”, “Doxycycline”, “Mefloquine”, “Quinine”, etc.

Precaution

“Vaccination” is provided by the government for the prevention of “Malaria”. Several measures can be taken to prevent “Malaria”. Medication can be taken to prevent this disease. It has to be ensured that stagnant water is not allowed to accumulate in places so as to prevent the development of mosquitoes. The female mosquitoes are the carriers of the parasite. Mosquito repellents can be applied, mosquito nets can be used, and fully covered dresses can be worn for preventing mosquito bites.

Conclusion

The fight against the fatal disease “Malaria” began in 1955. The magnitude of the death rates has decreased a lot over time. The “World Health Organisation (WHO)” has set its targets for eliminating the disease. It is noticed that many countries have gotten rid of the disease but for countries like Africa and the South Eastern regions, it still remains a major threat. The climatic conditions are majorly responsible for the “Plasmodium Parasites” to thrive. Required measures are being taken for eradicating “Malaria”.