The monsoon season brings with it many diseases, including vector-borne diseases. In vector-birth, malaria is the most common disease that affects people. Malaria is caused by the bite of a female mosquito (Anopheles). According to the World Health Organization – World Malaria Report 2019, India represents 3% of the global malaria burden.Also read – Stress in your hips? Practice these 4 easy hip opening yoga asanas Watch the video
Malaria can cause mild illness in some patients and fatal disease in others. Various parasitic species can cause infections, and the four most common are Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium vivax. However, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax pose a significant risk. Also read – Astha Shah on his skin condition vitiligo, ‘Back then he was a nightmare, now he is the face of my confidence’ | Exclusive
Plasmodium falciparum
This Plasmodium parasite is the most deadly because it causes the most infections and most deaths worldwide. Patients infected with this parasite experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fever, and headache. The infection leads to some neurological symptoms as it damages the brain and central nervous system, and patients may suffer from cerebral malaria. Also read – Benefits of Mint Water: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Include Mint Water in Your Diet – Watch Video
In some cases, if the disease affects the brain, some may have seizures or loss of consciousness. The person may also experience changes in the levels of consciousness, paralysis and convulsions. It can also cause renal failure and lung involvement.
Plasmodium vivax
This species causes 60 percent of infections in the country. While it is not as deadly as Plasmodium falciparum, it can cause serious illness. When an infected patient is exposed to the flu and will show other symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, cold and fatigue.
How to avoid malaria?
The only way to prevent yourself from getting infected is to be careful. However, suppose a person sees a change in his body, especially symptoms such as high fever, chills, sweating, shivering, severe body aches, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and mental confusion. In this case, they should consult a doctor immediately. In addition, delays can lead to unwanted complications such as kidney failure in some cases and abnormally large spleen.
- Keep your home, office and surroundings mosquito free
- Wear full sleeves and full pants when going out
- Use a mosquito repellent, and there are some that can be applied to clothing or bedding
- To reduce the risk of infection, avoid visiting crowded places
- One should choose to sleep in a well-screened or air-conditioned room, and this is because malaria mosquitoes bite mainly at night or early in the morning.
- Stay indoors and close windows, especially between morning and evening, as mosquitoes are most active during this time.
- Make sure that water does not accumulate, as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Place a mosquito net around the bed
What are the treatment options for malaria?
If the disease is detected at an early stage, the patient can be treated at home. Malaria is treated by oral medications, injections, or intravenously, depending on the severity of the disease. Also, depending on the parasite that caused the infection, the person may be treated as an outpatient in a few days or in a hospital with IV medication. Patients may need fluids, blood transfusions, and oxygen if they have difficulty breathing. Malaria usually goes away in about two weeks if diagnosed early and treated in time.
While malaria is a serious illness and can cause serious health problems, it can be easily avoided by taking adequate preventive measures.
(Inputs by Dr. Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital Mulund)
