Malaria

Malaria

The early Egyptians wrote about it on papyrus, and the famous Greek physician Hippocrates described it in detail. It devastated invaders of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, as in other temperate climates, malaria lurked in marshes and swamps. People blamed the unhealthiness in these areas on rot and decay that wafted out on the foul air. Hence, the name is derived from the Italian, “mal aria,” or bad air. In 1880, the French scientist Alphonse Laveran discovered the real cause of malaria, the single-celled Plasmodium parasite. Almost 20 years later, scientists working in India and Italy discovered that Anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria. 

There are four main strains of malaria. The most serious of these is the falciparum. This form can be fatal.The other three forms, vivax, ovale and malariae are usually less serious, but still need to be prevented and treated promptly.

Once a malaria mosquito has bitten, parasites travel to the liver and can lay there dormant, or can start to rapidly multiply. Eventually the parasites multiply so much that the liver cells they have invaded bursts and releases them into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream they attack the red blood cells. By the time the parasites are in the blood stream the traveler may start to experience the symptoms of malaria, which includes high fever and chills.

Two of the strains of malaria,Vivax and Ovale do not produce the symptoms of malaria for some months, which is why it is important to have a blood test for malaria if you develop fevers months after travel.

There are complications associated with malaria that may lead to coma and death. The average traveler should seek medical attention in the event of feeling unwell.

Full recovery can be expected from malaria in persons who seek medical attention in the early stages of malaria.

The symptoms of malaria can be varied. Usually the symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, feeling unwell, muscle aches and cramps.

“The best cure is prevention.”

It is important to note that swapping and changing anti malarial drug is NOT recommended. Once a course of anti malarial drugs is started it should be taken until it is completed.

How do I avoid mosquitos in general?
1. The use of an insect repellant containing DEET, such as RID
2. Avoiding the outdoors between dawn and dusk
3. Wearing long, light colored, loose clothing, as dark colors attract mosquito’s
4. Avoid wearing any strong perfume
5. If accommodation consists of backpacker or hostel or tent, the use of a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin.
6. Washing clothes in permethrin solution prior to travel. 

What are the types of Anti-malarial medication?

There are 5 types of anti malarial medication that are in treatment. It is important to note that None of the anti malarial drugs are 100% effective in preventing malaria.

Malaria

Malaria

Symptoms of Malaria

Image source:Wikipedia

Malaria is a protozoal disease transmitted to humans by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. It remains the major infectious disease problem in the world. Malaria is characterized by enlargement of the spleen, fever, anemia,and a chronic relapsing course. Today malaria survives best in areas of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia, where the mosquito and the infected human population co-exist. The incidence of the disease has decreased since 1945, due to an active international cooperative program aimed at its eradication.


Several types of the organism, Plasmodium vivax, P. malaria, and P.falciparum exist. The cycles between the muscle aching, headache, and fever vary from 48—72 hour periods. “Cerebral malaria” can lead to paralysis,convulsions, delirium, coma, and rapid death. “Black water fever” is a type of malaria associated with P. falciparum. Massive destruction (hemolysis) of red blood cells is followed by jaundice, kidney failure, and vascular collapse. The most important diagnostic test in the search for malaria parasites is the exami-nation of a stained blood drop under the microscope.

Life cycle of the parasite

Source:Wikipedia

Final cure of malaria is difficult, but mild cases often respond to the timely use of fever therapy. This is given as a rapid sweating steam or tub bath, bringing the body temperature up just as the chills begin, and before fever crests. The treatment should finish as usual with a cold mitten friction or a cool shower. Repeat this treatment on successive days if the chills return. Performed faithfully in conjunction with a simple diet, extra rest,and other hygienic measures, control can usually be obtained.Quinine was used historically; however, the development of more effective alternatives such as quinacrine, chloroquine, and primaquine in the 20th century reduced its use. Today, quinine is not generally used for prophylaxis. The use of prophylactic drugs where malaria-bearing mosquitoes are present may encourage the development of partial immunity.


The prevention of malaria involves primarily mosquito control, using netting, repellents, and the draining of swampy areas to reduce their breeding potential. Travelers or missionaries to countries where resistant malaria is endemic may want to take preventive medication for added protection.