MALARIA An infection

Basics:

An infection caused by parasites

Female anopheles mosquitos act as vectors

They transfer this infection from one person to another

Majorly affected cells are RED BLOOD CELLS

Mostly seen in tropic and sub-tropic regions

Infection spreads during moist and humid times like rainy season

Types:

There are 5 types of malaria depending on the type of Plasmodium

1. P.falciparum

2. P.ovale

3. P.vivax

4. P.malariae

5.  Plasmodium knowlesi (rare)

Symptoms:

Shaking chills

Fever

Headache

Anemia

Sweating

Vomiting

Muscle pains

Causes:

DIRECT METHODS:

A mosquito bites an infected person and gets infected

This mosquito bites another uninfected person and transfers the infection

INDIRECT METHODS:

o Mother to fetus transmission

o Using infected needles

o Through blood transfusions

Other complications:

There are other complications caused because of MALARIA

BLACKWATER FEVER : release of haemoglobin into the urine

ANAEMIA : rupture of RED BLOOD CELLS

KIDNEY FAILURE : because of haemoglobin going through kidneys

Rupture of RED BLOOD CELLS

Diagnosis:

Blood tests can show if you have been infected by malarial parasites and help in your treatment by determining

o Whether you have malaria

o What type of malaria

o If your vital organs have been affected by malaria

Prevention better than cure

USING NETS: bed nets especially those sprayed with insecticides are helpful

SPRAYING: spraying mosquito repellents or insecticides can keep mosquitos away

Sterile needles: making sure your doctor uses sterile needles

Cleanliness: keep your surroundings clean. Mosquitos wont breed there.

Facts about malaria

The CDC estimates that there are 300-500 million cases of malaria each year, and more than 1 million people die from it.

In some areas of the world, mosquitoes that carry malaria have developed resistance to insecticides.

Parasites have developed resistance to some antibiotics.

Malaria, especially Falciparum malaria, is a medical emergency that requires a hospital stay.

In India..