Guide to Causes and Symptoms of Malaria

What Is Malaria? 

Malaria is a disease caused by a microorganism that is transferred to human by infected anopheles mosquitos. The disease-causing microorganism is present in the saliva of the mosquito and the disease spreads when the mosquito bites humans. The pathogen that causes malaria is called plasmodium. There are actually five kinds of plasmodia that cause malaria but generally, all of them are referred to as plasmodium. It is observed that malaria is rare in temperate climates but it is more common in tropical and sub-tropical countries.

Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria is a disease that can become fatal without proper medical care. A person with malaria will display the following symptoms:

●       Shaking chills

●       Fever

●       nausea

●       headaches

●       muscle aches

●       tired

●       diarrhea or vomiting

Symptoms of malaria can develop in about a week after the person has been bitten by the infected mosquito.

How Does Malaria Spread?

Malaria is spread when a person is bitten by an infective female anopheles mosquito. The disease can only be transmitted by the anopheles mosquito. Malaria is not a contagious disease, which means it cannot transfer from one person to another, observed in colds or the flu. Also, it cannot be transmitted sexually.

What Causes Malaria?

In humans, malaria is caused by five species of a microorganism normally called plasmodium. Every species follows the same cycle of reproduction in the human cells after entering the bloodstream:

●       Growth and reproduction in the liver cells

●       Exponential reproduction in the red blood cells until it bursts and releases new infecting plasmodia

The second stage i.e. the red blood cell stage causes the symptoms of malaria in humans.

How to Prevent Malaria?

The only way to prevent malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. You take the following safety measures to avoid mosquito bites:

●       When travelling, stay somewhere with effective air conditioning. If your room does not have an A.C, close the doors and windows properly before going to sleep.

●       Use a mosquito net treated with insecticides while sleeping.

●       Mosquito repellents are also good for protection from mosquitos. Always wear mosquito repellent on your skin before going to sleep or when going outside.

●       Wear more clothing that covers your skin as much as possible. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.

●       Use anti-malarial tablets to reduce the chances of getting the disease.

If you notice any symptoms associated with malaria get in contact with your GP as soon as possible. You can visit Pharmacy To My Door for private GP services in Alcester or Droitwich.