Malaria

The study of diseases caused by parasites has always been one of the most important tasks of medicine. Malaria is one such disease and still remains a significant problem in the world. This is an acute protozoal disease caused by malarial plasmodia transmitted through the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes. In this article, we'll look at what malaria is, what symptoms it exhibits, how it can be treated, and what prevention methods are available.

What is malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is characterized by attacks of fever, anemia, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Malaria is predominantly found in countries with hot and humid climates, such as Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. It can occur in both children and adults.

What causes malaria?

The reservoir of malarial plasmodia is a person with malaria, or a gamete carrier. The infection is transmitted by various species of Anopheles mosquitoes. In Russian conditions, mosquitoes of this genus are not found. You can become infected with malaria through blood transfusion from a carrier donor, through manipulation of insufficiently treated instruments, and in rare cases, the infection can be transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta. There are 4 types of malarial plasmodia, each of which causes a specific form of the disease.

Symptoms of malaria

The incubation period of malaria ranges from 6 to 40 days. Sometimes the onset of malaria is preceded by malaise, weakness, and dry mouth. The main symptom of malaria is a malarial attack lasting up to 12-14 hours. The attack consists of phases of chills, heat and sweat. The patient's body temperature quickly rises to 40-41°C, and pain in the muscles and head occurs. At the height of an attack of malaria, dizziness, vomiting, lower back pain, and sometimes loose stools appear. In the first hours of the attack, the patient shudders, at the 5-6th hour of the attack, heat spreads throughout the body, and in the end profuse sweating occurs. During an attack, the patient’s skin is warm and dry, the extremities are cold, the vascular pattern of the sclera is enhanced, and the mucous membranes are covered with a white coating. Blood pressure is low, heart sounds are muffled, pulse is increased. After one or two attacks of malaria, mild jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen occur.

How to treat malaria?

Treatment for malaria should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, artemisinin, and combinations thereof are used to treat malaria. The choice of drug depends on the type of Plasmodium falciparum that causes the disease and what drugs are available in the country. In addition, symptomatic treatment is carried out aimed at eliminating fever, pain and other manifestations of the disease.

How to prevent malaria?

There are a number of measures you can take to prevent malaria. First of all, you need to protect yourself from the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes. To do this, you can use mosquito nets, repellents and clothing that covers all exposed areas of the body. In addition, it is recommended to take antimalarial drugs before traveling to endemic areas and while staying there.

Overall, malaria is a serious disease that can lead to death if not treated promptly. However, proper prevention and treatment can help prevent the disease and save the lives of those who are already sick.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoan microorganisms. It is characterized by a sudden and prolonged increase in body temperature (up to 41 ° C or higher) and chills, interspersed with periods of increased temperature to normal and delayed chills (cool extremities). The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and laboratory tests. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis at home; before starting treatment, you must consult a doctor. Prevention comes down to controlling malaria vectors with disinfestation agents and cleaning ponds.