Shielding Against Malaria: Detection, Treatment & Prevention

Throughout India, Malaria remains a major public health concern. Malaria is a fatal illness contracted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. India is a breeding ground for Malaria because its tropical climate creates the perfect conditions for it to flourish. One must understand the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures to combat Malaria effectively. Our blog gives you an overview of how to detect, treat, and prevent malaria, offering crucial information to safeguard your health and well-being.

Identifying Symptoms of Malaria

After a mosquito bite, the symptoms of malaria typically manifest 10–15 days later. The symptoms, however, may not appear for several months in some circumstances. Common signs and symptoms consist of:

• Sudden high fever, often accompanied by shaking chills
• Sweating profusely
• Having intense headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Extreme tiredness and weakness
• Anaemia
• Jaundice

What to Expect in the Diagnosis of Malaria

It's critical to get tested as soon as possible if malaria is suspected. The common techniques for Malaria diagnosis include:

• Microscopic Examination is performed to ascertain if blood smears contain malaria parasites, they are inspected under a microscope.
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are used to get results in 15–30 minutes and identify particular antigens produced by malaria parasites.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are used to detect Malaria in individuals. PCR test allows for the precise identification of Plasmodium species and detect Malaria.

Treatment of Malaria

Medical Care

Treatment of Malaria depends on three things - the species of parasite, the severity of the infection, and the patient's health condition. Common medical care for Malaria includes the following:

Chloroquine: It is effective against Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae.

Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs): ACTs are the frontline treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. ACTs combine two drugs to increase efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance.

Primaquine: Used to eliminate dormant liver stages of P. vivax and P. ovale to prevent relapse.

Quinine and Doxycycline: Used in areas with chloroquine-resistant malaria.

Supportive Care

In case of severity, people with malaria may require rapid hospitalization. The following are examples of supportive care that one receives:

• Using Intravenous Fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
• Blood Transfusions for tackling severe anaemia.
• Giving oxygen therapy to patients with respiratory distress.
• Monitoring and treating complications such as kidney failure, cerebral malaria, and hypoglycemia.

How to Prevent Malaria

Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective strategy to combat malaria. The key strategies to prevent Malaria include the following measures:

Insect Repellents: On exposed skin, use insect repellents containing picaridin, DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep mosquitos away.

Protective Clothing: Minimize skin exposure by using protective clothes such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks.

Bed Nets: Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in high-risk areas keep mosquitos away from you.

Mosquito-proof Housing: Using screens on windows and doors, and staying in air-conditioned or well-sealed accommodations prevent your house from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.

If travelling to malaria-endemic regions, taking preventive antimalarial drugs can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Conclusion

While Malaria is a serious global health issue, it can be managed through early detection, efficient treatment and appropriate preventive measures. By being aware of symptoms and adopting appropriate safety measures, you can save yourself from the clutches of Malaria