Malaria is a severe, sometimes fatal disease that is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by bites of mosquitoes that are infected. Although it is treatable and preventable malaria is still a problem that affects millions of people around the world, particularly in subtropical and tropical regions. Effective malaria preventive care can dramatically lower the risk of getting malaria and save lives.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious illness which is brought on via Plasmodium parasites which spread to humans by bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When infected the parasites grow in the liver and cause infection of red blood cells. This leads to symptoms such as chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
Why Is Malaria Prevention Important?
Although malaria can be treated but it can also progress quickly with no medical attention and can cause severe complications like:
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Cerebral malaria
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Organ failure
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Anemia
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Death in extreme instances
The need for preventive malaria treatment is vital due to:
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It can stop transmission in areas with high risk.
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It eases the burden of healthcare in areas that are in need of healthcare.
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It safeguards vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Causes of Malaria
Knowing the reasons for malaria can aid in the prevention. The illness is caused by five kinds of Plasmodium parasites which includes Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. Infection is usually triggered by:
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A person gets bitten by a mosquito that is infected.
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In rare instances it can spread through organ transplants, blood transfusions or needles that are contaminated.
Common Malaria Symptoms
The signs usually show up within 10 to 15 days after the bite. Common malaria symptoms include:
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High fever
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Shivering and chills
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Sweating
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Headaches
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Nausea and vomiting
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Joint pain and muscle soreness
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Fatigue
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Rapid breathing
If left untreated, malaria could result in severe complications and cause death, particularly for children younger than five years old and women who are pregnant.
Top Malaria Preventive Care Strategies
1. Use Insect Repellents
Use the repellents made of DEET on the skin that is exposed particularly at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are at their most active. Natural alternatives like lemon eucalyptus oils can provide protection.
2. Sleep Under Mosquito Nets
Make use of mosquitoicide treated bed nets (ITNs) or long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). They have been proven to decrease malaria cases by stopping nighttime bites.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
If you can try wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants particularly in areas of forested or open spaces for a reduced risk of exposure to bites from mosquitoes.
4. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
In stagnant or muddy water. To avoid breeding:
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Containers that are empty and have standing water
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Tanks for storage of clean water
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Clear gutters and drains of clogs
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Water containers that are covered
5. Indoor Insecticide Spraying
Make use of the indoor residual spray (IRS) with approved insecticides to eliminate mosquitoes that are resting within homes.
6. Take Antimalarial Medication
If you are traveling to areas that are malaria-prone Doctors may prescribe antimalarial medications for prevention like:
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Atovaquone-proguanil
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Doxycycline
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Mefloquine
Always consult a physician prior to your trip to determine the best malaria treatment to take for your destination.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
Here are some easy suggestions to keep mosquito bites out of your life and lower the risk of contracting malaria:
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Be sure to stay indoors during the the peak hours of mosquito activity (dusk until dawn)
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Use window screens to install or replace them, or air conditioning
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Utilize mosquito coils or mats that vaporize
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Beware of strong scents and dark clothes, which can attract mosquitoes.
Malaria Prevention in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria, which could result in:
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Anemia in the mother.
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Miscarriage
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A low birth weight
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Premature delivery
To protect themselves pregnant women who live in high-risk zones must:
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Attend regularly antenatal checks
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Relax under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
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Use regular preventive treatments during the course of pregnancy (IPTp) as prescribed
Malaria Treatment Options
If malaria is detected, early treatment is vital. The most common treatment is:
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Artemisininin-based combination therapies (ACTs) – the most efficient and widely utilized
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Chloroquine – is used for certain species of Plasmodium strains
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Quinine and Doxycycline are used in extreme instances
Always consult with a doctor for the most accurate diagnosis and treatment program.
Community-Based Malaria Prevention
Alongside personal care, community involvement is a key factor in preventing malaria. Communities are able to:
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Create awareness campaigns
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Support indoor spraying programs
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Make sure you are following the proper guidelines for water and waste management of waste and water.
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Send mosquito breeding areas to the authorities
Vaccination: A New Frontier in Malaria Prevention
The RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) malaria vaccine has shown promise in securing children living in areas at risk. Although it is not a stand-alone solution but it does add an additional layer of protection when paired with other preventive measures.
Conclusion
Malaria preventive treatment is a team initiative that starts at the individual level, and then expands to communities, families and even governments. Although malaria is a avoidable illness, ignoring prevention could have devastating effects.
If you follow simple, yet effective methods such as applying repellents, sleeping on nets, keeping your hygiene in check as well as seeking advice from a doctor prior to travelling, you can help protect yourself and your family members from this potentially deadly illness.
Be aware, be safe and work towards the world being malaria-free.
