Malaria
Malaria is a severe infection that is spread by plasmodium mosquitos. People with malaria need to get the proper treatment immediately. It is a protozoan parasite that transmits viral disease by invading the RBCs in the body.
Risks of malaria are in?
Malaria can happen with one bite by the parasite. The infection is common in multiple parts of the world, like large areas of Africa, some parts of Asia, Central and South America, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, parts of the Middle East, and some Pacific islands. It’s crucial to check for malaria risk before traveling to any country.
Malaria signs
Malaria signs may be hard to spot since they are typical symptoms of other infections. But the malaria signs include:
- High temperature
- Sweats and chills
- Feeling very sleepy or tired
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pains
- Yellow skin
- Sore throat and coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
The symptoms usually appear within 7–8 days after getting bitten by an infected parasite. In specific cases, one might not have any symptoms for months.
Who is at most risk of malaria?
Getting advice before traveling is essential when you are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill. So,
- If you are pregnant
- Young children
- People over the age of 65
- If you don’t have a strong immune system
- or if you don’t have a spleen
You may need to consult a doctor before traveling.
How to avoid malaria?
- If you are traveling, get advice from a doctor before you start backpacking
- The best is if you get advice at least 4–6 prior to traveling
- A doctor might prescribe antimalarial tablets to lower your risk of contracting malaria
Malaria preventions
- Consume antimalarial tablets or medicine if prescribed by your doctor.
- Use mosquito repellent, which is 50% DEET-based.
- Use mosquito nets for sleeping.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and avoid wearing shorts that won’t cover your legs.
- Remember, mosquitos are more active during the evening.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022