Buzz Off, Malaria Let’s Bite Back and End The Fight!

Malaria is a potentially fatal illness that is transmitted to humans by a certain mosquito species. Tropical nations such as the Philippines are where it is most prevalent, but It can be prevented and cured. It is a parasite-caused infection and does not transfer from person-to-person contact.

Symptoms usually start within 10–15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild Symptoms are as follows:

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache.

Whereas, Severe symptoms include:

• Fatigue and Extreme Tiredness

• Impaired Consciousness

• Multiple Convulsions

• Difficulty Breathing

• Dark or Bloody Urine

• Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)

• Abnormal Bleeding

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Difficulty breathing.

Individuals experiencing severe symptoms should seek emergency care immediately. Early treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse for moderate malaria cases.

How can we Avoid the Disease?

Avoiding insect bites and taking medication can help prevent malaria. Before visiting regions where malaria is prevalent, consult a physician about taking medications like Chemoprophylaxis.

• Steer Clear of Mosquito Bites to reduce the risk of contracting Malaria

• Use Mosquito Netting and wear protective clothing

• Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin.

• Make use of vaporizers and coils.

How is it Treated?

Malaria can be prevented, sickness can be reduced, and transmission can be decreased with early diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization advises employing parasite-based diagnostic tests (either microscopy or a fast diagnostic test) to confirm any suspected cases of malaria.

Since malaria is a dangerous infection, medication is always necessary to treat it. Malaria is prevented and treated using a variety of medications. Physicians will select one or more of them depending on:

• The kind of malaria

• Whether a parasite that causes malaria is resistant to medication

• Whether the individual with malaria is overweight or old

• If the individual is expecting a child.

The most widely used medications to treat malaria are as follows:

• The best way to treat P. falciparum malaria is using combination therapy medications based on Artemisinin. Only in locations where the P. vivax parasite infection is still susceptible to this medication is chloroquine advised for therapy.

• To stop P. vivax and P. ovale infection from recurring, Primaquine should be used in the primary treatment.

• The majority of medications are taken as pills. For injectable medications, some people might need to visit a hospital or health center.