Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by
parasites that are transmitted to people through
the bite of an infected female Anopheles
mosquito.

Once the parasite enters for blood
stream it then find its way to your liver where it
multiplies, only once the parasite matures it
enters your blood stream where it feeds on your
red blood cells.

The symptoms of malaria only
start once the parasites have entered the blood.
Plasmodium Parasites
There are four parasite species that cause
malaria in humans:

Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium ovale.

Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
are the most common. Plasmodium falciparum
is the most deadly and the predominant parasite
in Africa.

According to the latest estimates by the WHO
(World Health Organisation), released in
December 2014, there were about 198 million
cases of malaria in 2013 and an estimated 584
000 deaths.

Malaria mortality rates have fallen
by 47% globally since 2000, and by 54% in the
WHO African Region.

Most of these deaths occur
among children living in Africa, where a child
dies every minute from malaria.

Due to preventive measures and education
Malaria mortality rate among children in Africa
has reduced by an estimated 58% since 2000.

Zambia?s rate has also dropped significantly
over the last few years, according to latest
research there are still 3 children dying per day,
within the country as a result of Malaria.

Transmission Malaria is transmitted exclusively through the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes.

The intensity of transmission depends on factors related to the parasite, the vector, the human host, and the environment.

Transmission also depends on climatic conditions that may affect the number and survival of mosquitoes, such as rainfall patterns, temperature and humidity.

In many places, transmission is seasonal, with the peak during and just after the rainy season.

Malaria epidemics can occur when climate and other conditions suddenly favour transmission in areas
where people have little or no immunity to malaria.

They can also occur when people with low immunity move into areas with intense malaria transmission, for instance to find work, or as refugees.

Symptoms

Malaria is an acute febrile illness.

In a non- immune individual, symptoms appear seven days or more (usually 10–15 days) after the infective
mosquito bite.

The first symptoms – which may be mild and are difficult to recognize as malaria are often mistaken for the flu virus:

Fever
Headache,
Chills and Vomiting.
Body Aches
Fatigue

If not treated within 24 hours, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness often leading to death.


Who is at risk?

According to statistics by the WHO, approximately half of the world?s population is at risk of malaria.

Most of the malaria cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the
Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected.

In 2014, 97 countries and territories had ongoing malaria transmission.

Specific population risk groups include:

Young children in stable transmission areas who have not yet developed protective immunity against the most severe forms of the disease; Non-immune pregnant women are at risk of malaria which can causes high rates of miscarriage and can lead to maternal death; Semi-immune pregnant women in areas of high transmission.

Malaria can result in miscarriage and low birth weight, especially during first and second pregnancies; Semi-immune HIV-infected pregnant women in stable transmission areas, during all pregnancies.

Women with malaria infection of the placenta also have a higher risk of passing HIV infection to their newborns;
People that are infected with HIV/AIDS, International travellers from non-endemic areas because they lack immunity; Immigrants from endemic areas and their children living in non-endemic areas and returning to their home countries to visit friends and relatives are similarly at risk because of waning or absent immunity.

How do you test for Malaria?

Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria is critical for a positive outcome as it reduces the disease and prevents deaths.

It also contributes to reducing malaria transmission within communities.

If you suspect that you are showing symptoms of Malaria visit your GP or nearest hospital and request a Malaria test, this should be in the form of a blood side and or a Rapid Detection Test.

Prevention

The best way to reduce the spread of malaria in
communities is by Vector Control.

It is the only intervention that can reduce malaria transmission from very high levels to close to
zero.

For individuals, personal protection against mosquito bites represents the first line of defense for malaria prevention, below are a number of ways you can avoid been bit:

Cover exposed skin with natural coloured clothing (khaki, beige etc), dark clothing has been suggested to attract mosquitoes.

Try and avoid been outside and exposed in the early mornings and evenings, as this is when mosquitos are the most active.

Buy treated sleeping nets, ensuring that there are no holes within the net.

When are seated outside try applying insect repellants and light coils to try and repel mosquitoes, Try stay away from stagnant pools of water as this is where mosquitoes breed.

Leave a fan or air-condition on while you are sleeping as this will also help deter mosquitoes.

There are several medications available on the market to help prevent malaria.

Your healthcare provider will be able to assist you
in selecting the most appropriate one.

Thank You For Reading,Stay Blessed.