Malaria is a preventable and curable yet life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes mostly found in tropical countries.
Even though malaria infection is caused by a parasite, it is not transferable from person to person.
Nigeria, according to the 2021 World Malaria Report, had the highest number of global malaria cases (27% of global malaria cases) and the highest number of deaths (32% of global malaria deaths) in 2020.
Malaria is transmitted throughout Nigeria, with 97% of the population at risk of malaria.
In this article, I will be showing you how malaria disease is gotten, symptoms and how to prevent malaria.
Causes of Malaria
Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites you. It therefore means that malaria is caused by mosquito bites.
There are four kinds of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum.
Symptoms of Malaria
It takes a period of ten (10) days to four (4) weeks after infection to know that one has got malaria. Meanwhile, it is also possible for one not to see the symptoms manifest for months. But the symptoms will eventually develop.
In order to be on the lookout, here are some common symptoms of malaria:
-High fever
-Bloody stools
-Convulsions
-Shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
-Vomiting
-Anemia
-Headache
-Nausea
-Abdominal pain
-Diarrhea
-Muscle pain
-Coma
-Profuse sweating
Prevention of Malaria
The best measure of prevention of malaria is deliberate avoidance of mosquito bites.
In cases where you cannot totally avoid going to areas where malaria is common, talk to a doctor about taking medicines such as chemoprophylaxis before travelling to such areas.
To avoid mosquito bites and consequently prevent malaria:
-Use mosquito nets when sleeping in places where malaria is present
-Use mosquito repellents (containing -DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin) after dusk
-Use coils and vaporizers.
-Wear protective clothing.
-Use window screens.
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