Malaria is a disease passed through the blood. It is caused by a parasite. The parasite is typically passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Malaria is caused by one of the following four types of parasites:
An Anopheles mosquito becomes infected when it bites someone with malaria. Another bite will pass the malaria to a new person.
Malaria can also be passed from a mother to her unborn child. It can also be passed through a blood transfusion from an infected donor.
Plasmodium falciparum is by far the most dangerous of the forms of malaria. In most areas it is also the most common form.
Risk factors that increase your chance of malaria include:
Once inside the bloodstream, parasites travel to the liver. There they and multiply (hepatic phase). During this phase, the infected person has no symptoms.
After several days, the parasites' offspring are released into the bloodstream. There they infect red blood cells. Within 48 hours, the infected red blood cells burst. The parasites infect more red blood cells. This process leads to:
Symptoms usually begin within 10 days to four weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. P. malariae may not produce symptoms for a year or more. P. falciparum infections tend to cause more severe symptoms. They are associated with higher death rates.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history. The doctor will also ask about your travel history. A physical exam will be done. You will have:
Prescription drugs are used to treat malaria. They kill the parasites. Choice of antimalarial agent depends on:
The following medications are used alone or in combination:
*Commonly used to treat resistant strains of P. falciparum .
To reduce your chance of getting malaria when in an area where malaria is prevalent:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/
World Health Organization
http://www.who.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
Center for Disease Control website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov . Accessed 1/30/2009.
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Churchill Livingstone Inc; 2005.
Navy Medical Department Pocket Guide to Malaria Prevention and Control . Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; 1998.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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