Malaria is a severe infectious disease that is caused by a small parasite called ‘plasmodium’. Plasmodia are transmitted to man through the bites of a female mosquito called ‘anopheles’. Malaria often leads to death if left untreated or not properly treated.
Malaria is a major public health problem in the areas of the world where they seem to be a part of the communities. It takes its toll on the red blood cells and some vital organs of the body. Lack of good food, insufficient red blood cells, and some other infections may favour the cause of malaria infection. It kills one person every 20-30 seconds!
The common symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, loss of appetite, generalized body weakness, and muscle pains. Children may experience fever, anaemia, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even swelling of the liver. Some children may even develop convulsions and proceed into a coma.
The current conventional treatment is by using Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT) drugs. Malaria in pregnancy and complicated malaria may require a different or integrated approach, though. Prevention of malaria can be achieved by using insecticide-treated bed nets and insect repellants, and by using certain drugs like Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine.