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Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites (plasmodia)
transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles-type mosquito (nail mosquito) or by contact with blood (transfusion, pregnancy).
It affects the liver cells (where it multiplies) until it destroys them. It then attacks the red blood cells (where it also multiplies).
What are the most common symptoms of malaria?
Symptoms usually happen cyclically, every 2, 3, or 4 days. They include:
- high fever;
- intense chills;
- sweating;
- joint pains;
- yellowish skin
Initially, before experiencing these symptoms, infected people may experience nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and a lack of appetite.
The time between the insect bite and the onset of symptoms can vary from 7 to 28 days.
How to confirm if a person has malaria?
To find out if the person has malaria, a blood test (thick smear, under the microscope) should be done.
What is the treatment?
Malaria is a disease that has a cure, and the treatment is simple and effective. However, the disease can progress to its severe forms if it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely and adequate manner.
The person with malaria should go to the doctor for evaluation.
See below the situation of testing and treatment in your country: The Philippines
The examination and care carried out in government hospitals are free of charge.
How to prevent malaria?
- Use mosquito nets with insecticide;
- Wear clothes that protect legs and arms (long sleeves);
- Use screens and mosquito nets on doors and windows;
- Spray residual effect insecticide on the walls inside the house;
- Use repellents;
- Watch out for clean, shady waters of rivers and streams (where the mosquito breeds).
IMPORTANT: There is no vaccine against malaria, and it is not transmitted by water.
Pregnant women, children, and people infected for the first time are subject to greater severity of the disease and if not treated adequately and in a timely manner, they can die.
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