Malaria is a dangerous disease transmitted via the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The infected mosquitoes are carriers of the Plasmodium parasite. Once the mosquito bites an individual, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. The condition is typically found in subtropical and tropical climates.
Once inside the body, the parasites move to the liver where they reach maturity. After more than a few days, the parasites move into the bloodstream and start to infect the red blood cells. In 48-72 hours, the parasites within the red blood cells multiply which causes the infected cells to rupture.
These parasites continue to infect the red blood cells which results to symptoms that arise in cycles that last for 2-3 days at a time.
What are the causes?
Aside from being bitten by an infected mosquito. Other ways in which the disease spreads include:
- Infected mother passing the disease to the child at birth (congenital malaria)
- Organ transplant
- Using shared syringes or needles
- Blood transfusion
Indications of malaria
The symptoms generally develop within 10 days up to 4 weeks after being infected. In some cases, the symptoms might not arise for several months. The reason can enter the body but remains dormant for long periods.
The usual symptoms of malaria include:
- High fever
- Shaking chills ranging from moderate to severe
- Headache
- Profuse sweating
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anemia
- Convulsions
- Blood-streaked stools
- Coma
Potential complications
Always bear in mind that the disease can trigger various dangerous complications such as:
- Swollen blood vessels in the brain
- Organ failure of the liver, kidneys or spleen
- Buildup of fluid in the lungs that results to breathing issues or pulmonary edema
- Anemia due to the destruction of the red blood cells
- Low blood sugar
Management
As a dangerous condition, the treatment for malaria is done in a healthcare facility. The doctor will prescribe medications based on the type of parasite the individual is infected with.
In some cases, the medication given by the doctor will not deal with the infection. The reason for this is that some parasites developed resistance to these drugs. Once this occurs, the doctor might prescribe more than one medication or change drugs to manage the condition.