Malaria is a mosquito-born infectious disease. It is caused by a eukaryotic protist of the genus plasmodium. its occurrence can be seen more in tropical and sub-tropical regions. parts of the Americas (22 countries) and major areas of Asia and Africa are regions where malaria has spread already.
More than 250 million cases of malaria, killing more than 2 million people, killing millions of children in Sub-Saharan Africa – malaria has been a prominent source of death and destruction in the world. Malaria is generally associated with poverty and is a major obstacle to economic growth.
Causes
Humans can be infected by five species of plasmodium parasite. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi – these are the five species which are responsible for the infection of malaria. some are fatal and some others are mild. Plasmodium falciparum causes the cerebral malaria symptoms which is said to be a life-threatening and serious form of malaria.
A mosquito bite causes malaria. The parasite microbe is getting into the blood through a sharp, hypoderme needle-like sting. When one travels intyo mosquito infected areas and when one is bitten by a mosquito, he becomes a victim to malaria. When infected blood is transfused into the body of a normal person, it gets transmitted.
Symptoms
Symptoms visit alternately and stay for a longer duration. This will be the case in the initial stages. Malaria-causing parasite is responsible for the cyclic infection of the disease. If the symptoms of malaria surface following a cyclic pattern, it is a sure case of malaria. these symptoms can be realized in bacterial, viral and parasitic infections also.
- Chills, fever and profuse sweating will be experienced regularly
- Jaundice symptoms getting displaced are a possibility
- Bloody stools tend to develop
- Muscle pain will be experienced to a great extent
- Anemia
- Headache, nausea and vomiting will add to the list of growing grievances by occurring frequently
Treatment