By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Malaria: A Complete Guide
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Malaria: A Complete Guide
Specialties

Malaria: A Complete Guide

James Wilson
James Wilson
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

  Tropical and subtropical countries have to deal with a number of illnesses triggered by parasites. One of the most persistent ones is malaria- an illness we have all heard of. Globally around 210 million people contract it and it turns fatal for about 440,000 people. So today, we will outline what malaria is, what you need to know about it and what you can do to protect yourself from the grips of this dangerous illness.

Contents
  • What causes malaria?
  • What are the indications of malaria?
  • When is it time to consult a specialist?
  • Can malaria cause other complications?
  • How is malaria diagnosed?
  • Treatment of malaria
  • Recuperating
  • How can you prevent malaria?

What causes malaria?

Malaria is common in places where mosquitoes are rampant. But the carrier of the malaria parasite is a particular mosquito- the female anopheles. Inside them lives the parasite called plasmodium. The plasmodium enters the mosquito’s body when it bites a person who has contracted malaria. Now if it bites you, then the plasmodium will be transmitted to you. The parasites make their way to your liver where they lie in wait, sometimes for as long as a year. Once they mature, they enter your bloodstream and then travel to all parts of your body. Your blood cells become infected and this is when you start to show the signs of malaria.

What are the indications of malaria?

Some of the commonest symptoms of malarial infection are-

  • High fever that refused to recede
  • Splitting headache
  • Shivers and chills
  • Persistent nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constant fatigue
  • Ache all over the body

Some people also experience-

More Read

diabetes medication
Long-Term Health Benefits of Type 2 Diabetes Medications
How to Get Permanent Relief from PCOS?
Do Health Insurance Providers Pay for Car Accident Injury?
Coronary Stents Show Clinical and Economic Staying Power
Why Do Gut Feelings Drive Decisions?
  • Pain in the chest
  • Coughing
  • Sweating

Sometimes the symptoms come in cycles. You may start feeling chilly, after which you will start shivering following which your body temperature will soar.

When is it time to consult a specialist?

If you live in an area infested with mosquitoes and there have been several reports of people being diagnosed with malaria, you should book a consultation with a doctor once you realize that your fever is showing no sign of abating or you are experiencing the other symptoms of malaria.

Can malaria cause other complications?

Malaria is not to be trifled with. It can cause devastating complications. Most of the fatalities are a consequence of one of these complications-

  • Cerebral malaria: this happens when infected blood cells cause a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. This causes inflammation and damage to the brain and eventually triggers coma or seizures.
  • Pulmonary oedema: fluids build up within the lungs and cause extreme breathing distress.
  • Anaemia: plasmodia destroy the red blood cells and the natural outcome is anaemia.
  • Organ failure: malarial parasites affect the liver and kidneys and do not allow them to carry out their functions. These parasites can also rupture the spleen.
  • Malaria can also cause a severe drop in blood sugar level, which is dangerous.

How is malaria diagnosed?

Diagnosis of malaria can be done through a blood test. The person’s blood will be examined under a microscope and if plasmodium is present in the blood, it will become clearly visible.

Treatment of malaria

Depending on your age, health, the degree of the symptoms and whether you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe these medicines-

  • Artemisinin-based combination therapies
  • Chloroquine phosphate

Recuperating

Recuperating involves getting plenty of rest and allowing your body to heal with the help of the prescribed medicines. Also, you have to be mindful of the food you eat. Some foods speed up the recovery procedure while some others get in the way.

How can you prevent malaria?

The easiest way to save yourself and your loved ones from this deadly disease is by –

  • Using mosquito repellent sprays, oils and ointments.
  • Using mosquito nets.
  • Do not allow water to accumulate near or in your house because they turn out to be breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Now that you have formed a comprehensive idea about malaria, you can be on your guard against this disease.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By James Wilson
James is a freelance writer and blogger. He loves to write on wellness, tech and E-Health.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

oral health or dental health
Dental healthSpecialtiesUncategorized

7 Ways to Use Technology for Better Oral Health

May 11, 2021
Specialties

Important And Simple Ways To Take Better Care Of Your Eyes

March 31, 2019

As Society Ages, the Potential for Elder Abuse Increases

January 28, 2013
Specialties

Parents’ Guide To Helping Children With Winter Allergies

December 19, 2019
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?