Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by parasites that are spread by mosquitoes. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease and can be especially dangerous for pregnant women.

Causes

Malaria is caused by a type of microscopic parasite that is transmitted most commonly by Anopheles mosquito bites.

People can also catch malaria from exposure to infected blood e.g.

• From mother to unborn child
• Through blood transfusions
• By sharing needles used to inject drugs

Symptoms

Malaria signs and symptoms typically start within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

People with malaria may have the following signs and symptoms:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Chills
• Headache
• Sweats
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Dry cough
• Back pain
• Muscle ache
• Enlarged spleen

You should note that some types of malaria parasites can lie dormant in the body for several months or years.

Treatment

You should not diagnose malaria without seeing your doctor. Often times people misdiagnose malaria when they might actually have other ailments.

Your doctor needs to rule out other conditions or diseases which have similar symptoms to malaria. These include:

• Cold, flu, and some other viral infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Hepatitis
• Typhoid fever
• Meningitis, and other bacterial infections
• Non-malarial parasitic infections

Once you have been diagnosed with malaria, your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate type of treatment for you.

The types of drugs or treatment for malaria will vary based on the following;

• Which type of malaria parasite you have
• The severity of your symptoms
• Your age
• Whether you are pregnant
• Allergies to drugs

Prevention

The common phrase of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is most appropriate when talking about malaria.

The most effective way to prevent malaria is by reducing exposure to mosquitoes:

• Spraying insecticide inside your rooms and living areas can help kill mosquitos inside your house.
• It is recommended that pregnant women and young children, especially sleep inside insecticide-treated nets.
• Mosquitos come out at dusk, so in the evenings, ensure that your family wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts to prevent mosquito bites.
• If you will be travelling abroad, it is recommended that you take anti-malaria medication before you go.
• Mosquitos can propogate where there is stagnant water, ensure that you don’t have water sitting in puddles in your compound. Cover any buckets or drums of water, as mosquitos can lay their eggs there.