Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that can occur mostly in hot regions. It can be transmitted from person to person through blood contact. Mosquitoes can carry these parasites and cause people to get sick and spread the disease. In cases of the disease, recovery can be achieved with medication. Individuals with a high frequency of travel are seen as a risk factor, so these individuals should be more careful.
This disease, which can be life-threatening if left untreated, can occur in all age groups and genders. People with the disease usually experience symptoms of high fever and chills. It is a common disease in the African region. In cases where the symptoms of the disease occur, the person should go to the hospital as soon as possible and be examined by a specialist doctor.
What Causes Malaria? How is it transmitted?
It is a disease caused by parasites and classified as infectious diseases. The biggest factor causing the disease is mosquitoes. A mosquito that bites a sick person can transmit the parasite in the patient's blood by biting healthy people. In this way, the parasite begins to increase in the body of healthy people and the disease can occur.
The disease, which develops through the transmission of parasites into the blood, can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. In addition, the disease can be transmitted when blood or organ transplants from a sick person are given to a healthy person, even if it is rarely seen.
What are the Types of Malaria?
There are many types of parasites that can cause the disease. Some of the species can cause mild problems, while others can cause serious problems. Types of malaria disease are as follows:
Plasmodium Falciparum: It is a type of parasite that can cause the disease to result in death. It multiplies and increases rapidly with its entry into the body. It causes blood loss and vascular occlusion in people.
Plasmodium Vivax: It is a common species. Once it enters the body, it can go into a dormant state without showing any symptoms and does not show itself for a long time. It can then emerge and cause disease.
What are the Symptoms of Malaria?
The disease, which can be transmitted from person to person through blood, can also be spread by mosquitoes. The blood-borne parasite can multiply and cause infections. It can occur after a certain period of time after the parasites infect the body.
Some people have strong immunity and may not experience symptoms. However, these people may be carriers and can transmit the disease. The signs and symptoms that occur may be mild or may cause the death of the person.
Malaria symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Fever and chills
- Sweating
- Severe headaches
- Stomach problems and diarrhea
- Sore throat and cough
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Jaundice
- Kidney problems
- Watch
- Blurring of consciousness and loss of consciousness
- Bloody stools
- Convulsions and coma
- Damage to the brain
- Anemia (anemia)
- Pulmonary edema
How is Malaria Diagnosed?
Symptoms of the disease can occur over several weeks, months or years. It is not known exactly how long after the parasites enter the body the disease will develop. For this reason, those who are carriers may not recognize it.
Diagnosis can be difficult as the symptoms are similar to those of flu or colds. It is also possible to develop immunity to the disease and individuals living in areas where it is common can develop natural immunity.
In case of symptoms, the person should consult a doctor immediately and be examined. Physical examination and some tests that the doctor deems necessary may be requested. The tests that can be requested in terms of malaria diagnosis are as follows:
Blood Smear Test
The blood sample taken from the person is examined under a microscope in the laboratory and detected.
Rapid Blood Test
Blood is taken from the person's finger and placed in a blood test kit. Depending on the color change, it can be diagnosed. However, the type of parasite cannot be determined.
Molecular Test
With the help of this test, the type of parasite causing the disease is determined and appropriate treatment methods are applied.
Antibody Test
The antibodies in the person's blood are examined to see if the person has had this disease before.
Blood Test
The possibility of infection in the blood and the status of enzymes in the kidneys and liver are evaluated.
How is Malaria Treatment Done?
Individuals infected with the disease should receive treatment with the support of specialized doctors. People who live in areas where the disease is frequently experienced or who travel frequently to these regions should be examined and examined even in case of any fever.
In addition, while some individuals may experience this disease severely, the people in the risk group against this disease are as follows:
- Infants and children
- People over 65 years of age
- People with a weak immune system
- People who are frequent visitors to common areas and are not vaccinated
- Women and babies during pregnancy
The disease can be prevented by vaccination before infection and treated with medication after infection. The patient's course of treatment is determined by the specialist doctor. The methods may vary depending on the type of parasite, severity of symptoms, region of residence and age.
Each of the drugs used in treatment has a different function. The use and measure of these drugs, which are given with a doctor's recommendation and prescription, are determined by the doctor.
It is possible to prevent the disease with vaccination. Malaria vaccine provides protection against the disease by preventing parasites from entering the body. Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission, especially in areas where the disease is common.
However, vaccination does not provide one hundred percent protection. For this reason, it is recommended to be careful and to wear protective clothing if traveling frequently to countries where the disease is common.
What is Malaria without Fever?
Complaints may occur after a certain period of time after the parasites that cause the disease enter the body. Common symptoms among these complaints are fever, fatigue and chills. However, in some individuals, the disease may progress more mildly. In cases without fever symptoms, the disease can be overcome without any symptoms.
These people may recover without the need for treatment. However, in case of symptoms and progression of the disease, the person should be examined by a specialist in the field. Treatment gives positive results when diagnosed early.