Malaria refers to a disease spread by a mosquito bite. The infected mosquito contains Plasmodium, which is a microbe that causes fever, body aches, and related symptoms to the condition. It is more common in under-developed areas where hygiene practices are less than satisfactory. In the year 2019 alone, more than 400,000 people lost their lives to the condition worldwide.
The Signs and Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria generally results in a cyclic fever round which may be aggravated after cyclical periods. Some symptoms after the incubation period of Plasmodium include the following:
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- General malaise
- Body weakness
- Increased breathing rate
- Perspiration
In severe forms of malaria, a person might also experience symptoms like liver enlargement. This is possible as the Plasmodium completes its reproductive cycle in the liver of the host, and from there, the hepatic cells undergo disruption. There is also a drop in the blood cell count as this condition also affects the normal production of the blood cells in the body. Spleen function might also be damaged in some cases.
The Causes of Malaria
Sleeping without mosquito nets, wearing exposing clothes, and getting out in the evening and nighttime can make a person more prone to getting malaria. Areas, where stagnant water is present, serves as a hub for malaria vectors, the infected mosquitoes, where they thrive and multiply to spread the disease to the host, humans.
The Treatment Options for Malaria
Malaria is treated by keeping in mind the status of the patient, such as any occurrence of an underlying condition or a drug-drug interaction that may contradict in any case. After reassurance, the patient is given Chloroquine to break the cycle of the plasmodium microbe. Doxycycline, primaquine phosphate, artemether-lumefantrine, clindamycin, mefloquine, and quinine sulfate are some of the medications that may be used to treat the condition.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.
