Malaria, also known as malaria, is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito, which transmits a protozoa from the plasmodium family, the best way to prevent it is to take certain measures to prevent mosquito bites, by using repellents and protecting windows from the house with the use of mosquitoes.
Once protozoa enter the affected person’s body, these parasites pass into the liver from where they multiply and pass into the bloodstream, from where they invade and break red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fever, sweating, festoneing, nausea, vomiting. , headache and weakness.
- Malaria can be cured.
- But it is important that treatment is started as soon as possible.
- As in many cases the disease can worsen and cause anemia.
- Platelet depletion or kidney failure; in some cases.
- The parasite may begin to compromise the brain.
- Resulting in the likelihood of additional complications and even more serious problems.
The first symptoms of malaria appear 8 to 14 days after transmission and may appear up to 30 days or more. The onset of symptoms depends on factors related to Plasmodium, such as the multiplication table of the species, and factors related to the individual, such as mainly the immune system. The most common symptoms of malaria are:
Because of these signs and symptoms in communities in other diseases, diagnosing malaria can be very difficult, as it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the disease and indicate the most appropriate treatment, especially if you’re in a place where malaria is common. South America and Africa, for example.
In addition, these signs and symptoms may appear in cycles, if you choose, to appear every 48 to 72 hours depending on the type of Plasmodium that causes the infection, as they develop they reproduce and become part of the bloodstream. causing symptoms related to the destruction of red blood cells.
The most severe form of malaria occurs when the infection compromises the brain, causing headaches, neck stiffness, seizures, drowsiness and coma. Other complications include anemia, platelet reduction, kidney failure and respiratory failure.
Malaria transmission is caused by the bite of the infected Anopheles mosquito, which acquires the parasite when it bites an infected person, it is important to remember that malaria is not contagious, i. e. it is not transmitted from person to person, except in rare cases when sharing needles. , miscontrolled transfusions at the time of delivery.
The mosquito usually bites people at dusk or dusk. Places at increased risk of contagion in South America, Central America, Africa and part of Asia, mainly in places with clean water with current, humidity and temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
The Plasmodium parasite cycle in the human body follows as follows
The life cycle of malaria varies in the schizont phase according to the Plasmodium species, with a duration of 48 hours for P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. oval species and 72 for P. malaria. During the period when red blood cells break down, symptoms may become more pronounced, especially blood and scollophones.
After the first signs and symptoms appear, it is recommended to go to the nearest hospital or health center, especially if the symptoms appear every 48 to 72 hours, in this way the doctor can identify the presence of the parasite in the body. Through blood tests, such as thick gout, fine gout, immunological problems, by being able to start the appropriate treatment, preventing the spread of infection, worsen the life of the individual.
Malaria treatment is performed with antimalarial or antimalarial drugs such as Chloroquine, Primaquine, Artemeter and Lumefanthrin or Artesunate and Mefloquine, which act to destroy Plasmodium and prevent transmission.
The medicines chosen, dosage and duration are indicated by the doctor, which will depend on the age, severity of the disease and analysis of health conditions. Children, infants and infants need special treatment with Quinine or Clindamycin, always according to medical recommendations and it is generally indicated that the individual is hospitalized.
It is also recommended to
Malaria treatment should begin as soon as possible, as it could change significantly; if proper treatment is not performed, it may cause damage.
Malaria prevention can be done by:
For people traveling to an area where there are cases of malaria, it is possible to receive preventive treatment called chemoprophylaxis, with antimalarial or antimalarial medications, such as doxycycline, mefloquine or chloroquine.
However, these medications can have side effects, as the doctor himself indicates this form of prevention in people who are at increased risk of developing the disease, in people who come to malaria-infected areas, when people have a disease that I may have more complications with the infection.
As these medicines should only be used on medical advice, in general, if you start 1 day before your trip and continue taking them for a few days or weeks after your return.