Malaria

What is malaria?

Malaria is a dangerous illness caused by a parasite, spread through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The Plasmodium parasite enters your bloodstream, travels to your liver, and then attacks red blood cells, causing cycles of fever and illness.

What causes malaria?

  • Plasmodium falciparum (most severe)
  • Plasmodium vivax
  • Plasmodium ovale
  • Plasmodium malariae

Malaria can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants or from mother to baby at birth

What are the symptoms of malaria?

  • Chills and shivering
  • High fever and sweating
  • Headache and body pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Weakness and anemia

Diagnosis and treatment?

A blood test confirms malaria. Treatment depends on:

  • The type of malaria parasite
  • The severity of symptoms
  • The patient’s health

Doctors prescribe anti-malarial drugs. Severe cases may need hospital care.

What are the complications of untreated malaria?

  • Brain swelling
  • Lung fluid buildup
  • Organ failure (kidney, liver, spleen)
  • Severe anemia
  • Low blood sugar

How to prevent malaria

  • Sleep under a treated mosquito net
  • Wear long-sleeved clothes and use mosquito repellent
  • Remove stagnant water near your home
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