Malaria

 What is Malaria?

Malaria, is a very serious parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and has been eradicated in North America since 1951. In July 1947, the US launched a National Malaria Eradication Program, which with state and local participation, succeeded in eradicating Malaria. Even though Malaria has been eradicated and there are only about 2000 cases in the US per year, it is still a severe problem in third world or developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In 2018, there were approximately 228 million cases worldwide, causing 408 thousand deaths. According to the WHO, Africa has the most malaria cases, with 93% cases and 94% deaths. Children under 5 were also most vulnerable, accounting for 67% of the 408 thousand deaths. 

Cause of Malaria:

Malaria is caused by parasites. There are 5 more common types of malaria: P. Falciparum, Malarie, Vivax, Ovale and Knowlesi. P stands for Plasmodium, a genus of unicellular parasites. According to counts, 99.7% and 50% of cases in Africa and South-East Asia are caused by the most deadly P. Falciparum. in 2018. In just 24 short hours, P. Falciparum can progress severely, causing deaths if not treated. Since Malaria is caused by parasites, it cannot be transmitted via air, and is only transmitted by mosquito bites. When the mosquito bites, the parasites are inserted into the blood streams of the victim. Female Anopheles Mosquitoes are usually the ones which transmit Malaria. Because they need to feed their eggs with blood, they bite humans, and the parasites take advantage of this to get into humans.

Symptoms:

- High Fever over 38 degree celsius

- Chills

- Sweating

- Bad Headaches

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Abdomen and Muscle Pain

- Fatigue and Weakness

- Anemia

 Severe Symptoms:

- Coma

- Convulsions

Treatment:

- Artemisinin-based combination therapy

- Chloroquine Phosphate

- Antimalarial drugs

Prevention:

If you're going for a trip to developing African or South Asian countries, remember to have closed shelter where mosquitoes can't get in, try to get a bed net to avoid insects from getting in your sleeping areas, wear long sleeved shirts, wear sunscreen then insect repellent or sunscreen with repellent, and if necessary, take an antimalarial every day during the trip and for 4 weeks after the trip. But if somewhere is too dangerous, just don't go.