Awareness - Malaria

Awareness - Malaria

Monsoon brings lot of joy in our lives as a result of respite from extreme heat season it follows but the misery it brings along in form of disease is somewhat inevitable and leaves behind a host of illnesses and Vector borne diseases, some of which can be life threatening

Malaria:

Malaria is one among the diseases that may easily affect the common people during the season of monsoon. The malaria is spread by the mosquito called as anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are actually females. The male mosquitoes won't do any harm. The monsoon season is the perfect season for them to lay eggs and to breed. The untidy surroundings make it easier for them to breed. This is the worst disease that affects several thousand people a year and takes them to death.

Causes of Malaria:

A mosquito causes an infection by a bite. First, sporozoites (infective cells developed in Mosquito’s salivary) enter the bloodstream, and migrate to the liver. They infect liver cells, where they multiply into merozoites (form of malaria parasite that invades red blood cells), rupture the liver cells, and return to the bloodstream. Then, the merozoites infected blood cells, where they develop into ring forms, trophozoites (Protozoan in its early growing stages) and schizonts (cell developed from trophozoites) that in turn produce further merozoites. Sexual forms are also produced, which, if taken up by a mosquito, will infect the insect and continue the life cycle.

Common Mosquito Breeding Ground:

Symptoms of Malaria:

The symptoms of malaria typically begin 8–25 days following infection; however, symptoms may occur later in those who have taken antimalarial medications as prevention. Initial manifestations of the disease common to all malaria species are similar to flu-like symptoms and can resemble other conditions such as Blood Poisoning, Stomach inflammation and viral diseases. The presentation may include

* Repeated Fever

* Shivering

* weakness

* joints and muscle pains

* vomiting

Preventive Measures of Malaria:

* Prevent mosquito bites, Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, these mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn.

* If possible , remain indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period.

* If no screening or air conditioning is available, use a phyethroid - containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night time hours, sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide treated ones.

* Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and hats, When you go outdoors.

* Use insect repellent when you go outdoors. Apply insect repellent to skin not covered by clothing. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (diethylmenthytoluamide) for the best protection.

“Monsoon thrills but Malaria Kills”