What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are five parasite species that cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax posing the greatest threat.
Characteristics of Malaria Fever:
1. Fever: High fever that can become cyclical with a pattern of every two or three days.
2. Chills: Severe chills that accompany the fever.
3. Sweating: Profuse sweating as the fever subsides.
4. Headache: Intense headache.
5. Muscle Pain: Muscle and joint pain.
6. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
7. Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal discomfort.
8. Anemia: Due to the destruction of red blood cells by the parasite.
9. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver involvement.
Early Symptoms of Malaria:
Early symptoms are often non-specific and flu-like, including:
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
How to Manage Malaria Fever:
1. Antimalarial Medications: Prompt treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs based on the species of Plasmodium and drug resistance patterns in the area.
• Common drugs include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for P. falciparum and chloroquine for P. vivax (where there is no resistance).
2. Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
3. Rest: Adequate rest is essential for recovery.
4. Fever Management: Use antipyretics like acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever.
5. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of symptoms and blood counts, particularly in severe cases.
6. Hospitalization: Severe malaria requires hospitalization and may need intensive care.
Blood Tests for Malaria:
1. Microscopic Examination: Blood smears are examined under a microscope to detect the presence of Plasmodium parasites.
2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Detect specific malaria antigens in the blood.
3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Identifies malaria parasite DNA for more accurate diagnosis, especially in low-density infections.
4. Serology Tests: Detect antibodies against malaria parasites (used less frequently for acute diagnosis).
Latest References:
• World Health Organization (WHO): Malaria
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Malaria
• Mayo Clinic: Malaria
• MedlinePlus: Malaria
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