Malaria cause, transmission, vector, symptoms, prevention

     Malaria

It is an acute febrile illness.

It is a life threatening disease caused by parasite that is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito.

It is both preventable and curable

How malaria is caused?

It is caused by parasite known as Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale.

Out of the above 4 species - Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax pose the greatest threat to human health

How malaria is transmitted?

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquito .

Children under age group of 5 are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria
Man develops disease after 10-14 days of being bitten by an infective mosquito

Symptoms of malaria-

Initially, following symptoms are menifested-

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Vomiting

The above symptoms are just mild and are difficult to recognise as malaria symptoms

If not treated , within 24 hours, Plasmodium falciparum can progress to severe illness often leading to death

Symptoms of severe and complicated malaria-

• High fever+at least one of the following symptom

               - Prostration ( inability to sit)                                    - Altered consciousness

                  - Breathing difficulties

                  - Severe Anemia

                  - Lethargy or coma

                  - Dark and or limited

                     production of urine

Vectors of malaria -

  Anopheles  culicifacies is the main vector of malaria.

Diagnosis of malaria-

  Diagnosis is done by -

•   Rapid diagnostic test
•   Microscopy

Prevention of malaria-

  Vector control is the main way by which malaria transmission is prevented and reduced

There are 2 forms of malaria vector control-

1. Insecticide- treated mosquito nets
2. Indoor residual spraying

Insecticide- treated mosquito nets-

 It provides both physical barrier and insecticidal effect.

Sleeping under this net can reduce contact between human and mosquito.

  

Indoor spraying with residual insecticides-

  Indoor residual spraying with insecticide is another powerful way to rapidly reduce malaria transmission.