Malaria

Overview

The parasites in mosquitos that spread malaria belong to the Plasmodium genus. There are over 100 types of Plasmodium parasite can infect a variety of species. Different types replicate at different rates, changing how quickly the symptoms escalate & severity of disease.

Signs and Symptoms

Shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe, High fever, Profuse sweating, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Anemia, Muscle pain, Convulsions, Coma, Bloody stools

Common Causes

Plasmodium parasite which transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito

Risk Factors

Blood Transfusion, Newborn Babies- Transmission From Their Mother, Immune System Deficiency

Investigation Techniques

Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears, Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), CBC, Clotting profile, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood for malaria, Chest x-ray, Blood culture, Urine culture

Treatment and Prevention

Immunization, Mosquito repellent, Get enough fluid, Get enough rest, Pain medication, Anti-Malaria Medications