What Is Malaria? Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Malaria, which is detected in both children and adults, is considered a disease that can be cured with vaccines and medication. It is recommended that individuals who travel frequently in their daily lives be particularly cautious against malaria.
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What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a febrile illness caused by a parasite called "Plasmodium." This parasite is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. People with malaria typically experience high fever, chills, and severe fatigue. Although it is rarely seen in temperate regions, the disease is still common in tropical and subtropical areas.
Many malaria parasites have developed resistance to common drugs used in treatment. In long-term malaria cases, the liver and spleen may enlarge, which can lead to complications such as jaundice and anemia. Additionally, respiratory problems and even the development of pneumonia may occur.
Malaria can be transmitted not only through mosquito bites but also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, tissue grafts, or the shared use of infected syringes and needles.
What Are the Causes of Malaria?
Malaria is caused by a type of microscopic parasite. The parasite is most commonly transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
The Mosquito Transmission Cycle
A mosquito becomes infected by feeding on a person with malaria.
If this mosquito bites you in the future, it can transmit the malaria parasites.
After entering the body, the parasite travels to the liver, where it can remain dormant for up to 1 year.
When the parasites mature, they leave the liver and infect red blood cells. This is when people typically develop symptoms of malaria.
If an uninfected mosquito bites you at this point in the cycle, it becomes infected with the malaria parasites, which causes it to spread them to other people it bites.
Other modes of transmission: Since the parasites that cause malaria affect red blood cells, malaria can be contracted through exposure to infected blood. Malaria can spread from mother to unborn child or in situations such as blood transfusions.
How Is Malaria Treated? How Can It Be Prevented?
Malaria is an infectious disease that can be life-threatening in some cases. Treatment is usually carried out in a hospital, and the doctor may prescribe medication to cure the parasites. However, malaria can be more severe in certain individuals.
Infants
Young children
People over 65
Those with weakened immune systems
Pregnant women and their unborn babies
Vaccination is also an effective method in malaria treatment. After vaccination, it is possible to prevent malaria with medication. The final treatment is determined by a specialist doctor. The patient's health status, the severity of the symptoms experienced, and the patient's age are important in the process of determining the treatment. However, all these applied methods may not be sufficient to completely prevent and cure malaria. The treatment process must be monitored by a doctor. Even if vaccination and drug treatment are applied, follow-up medication may be given to prevent the recurrence of malaria in the future.
You can cover your skin against mosquito bites with long-sleeved shirts and pants.
You can apply certain sprays to your body under a doctor's supervision.
You can choose clothing that can be treated with insect repellent.
You can take malaria medication before and after traveling.
Applying all these precautions under the supervision of a specialist physician will yield healthier results.
Source: Memorial Health Group