Understanding Malaria
Although easily
transmitted through mosquito bites, malaria can be cured entirely if handled
appropriately. But if left untreated, the disease can be fatal, from causing
severe anemia, kidney failure to death.
Symptoms of Malaria
Symptoms of
malaria appear at least 10-15 days after being bitten by a mosquito. The
appearance of symptoms through three stages for 6-12 hours, namely chills,
fever, and headache, then sweat and weakness before the body temperature
returns to normal. The stages of malaria symptoms can arise following a particular
cycle: once every 3 days (tertian) or once every 4 days (quarter).
Causes of Malaria
Humans can get
malaria after being bitten by mosquitoes that have malaria parasites in the
body of mosquitoes. The bite of the mosquito causes the parasite to enter the
human body. This parasite will settle in the liver before it is ready to attack
red blood cells.
This malaria
parasite is called Plasmodium. The types of Plasmodium vary and will affect the
symptoms caused and treatment.
Diagnosis Malaria
If a person has
symptoms of malaria, the doctor will ask if they live or have recently traveled
to an area with many malaria cases. After that, the doctor will perform a
physical examination and blood test.
Blood tests to
diagnose malaria include rapid diagnostic tests (RDT malaria) and blood tests of
patients under a microscope. The purpose of blood tests under a microscope is
to detect the parasite that causes malaria and find out the type of malaria.
Please note, blood sampling can be done more than once and wait for the time of
fever to appear.
Malaria Treatment
Malaria should be
treated immediately to prevent the risk of dangerous complications. Treatment
of malaria can be done with the administration of antimalarial drugs.
These drugs need
to be adjusted to the type of parasite that causes malaria, severity, or
history of geographic areas lived in by sufferers. Malaria in children can
be treated by a consultant pediatrician of tropical infectious diseases.
Complications of Malaria
Some severe
complications are caused by malaria, severe anemia, hypoglycemia,
brain damage, and many organs failing to function. Such complications can be
fatal and more susceptible to toddlers and the elderly.
Malaria Prevention
Although there is
no vaccination to prevent malaria, doctors can prescribe antimalarial drugs as
a precaution if a person plans to travel or live in an area where many malaria
cases are present. In addition, prevention can be done by avoiding mosquito
bites by installing mosquito nets on the bed, using long-sleeved clothing and
trousers, and using creams or anti-mosquito sprays. Mosquito bite
prevention measures are also necessary to always do in children.
