What is Malaria?
Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite found in a Female Anopheles mosquito. The infected mosquito bite passes on the parasite that multiplies in the liver and destroys red blood cells. This serious disease is quite common in tropical and subtropical regions like India and Africa. Each year, around 210 million people are infected and about 440,000 die from the disease.
Causes of Malaria
- Spread of plasmodium parasite from infected Anopheles mosquito
- Exposure to infected blood
○ From mother to child
○ Through blood transfusion
○ By sharing needles
What are the signs of Malaria?
The signs of malaria show up 10 to 15 days after infection, many of these symptoms are similar to those of influenza. They include:
Key symptoms
- Headache
- Body ache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- High fever
- Chills
- Excessive sweating
Severe symptoms / Complications due to Malaria
- Kidney failure
- Seizure
- Hypoglycemia
How do you reduce the risk of malaria?
You can reduce the chance of contract malaria by decreasing contact with mosquitoes. Here’s how:
Creating a mosquito-free zone
- Cover up cracks in windows and doors
- Install screen windows and doors
- Get rid of standing water near your home
Preventing mosquito bites
- Avoid wearing dark coloured clothing as they attract insects
- Apply insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET)
- Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide
Malaria Profiles:
Malaria can become active 10-15 days after an infected mosquito bite. In case of infection, early detection helps in providing quick and correct treatment.
Metropolis offers a range of tests for an accurate diagnosis of Malaria:
Malaria Profile
- Platelet count, MP smear reflex QBC/Antigen (If negative)
Malarial Antigen
- Vivax & Falciparum
