The cause of Malaria and its progress

So far we have managed to understand what malaria is and the prevalence around the world. In this week's blog my focus will be more about the cause of the disease, its progression and the contributors for its mortality and morbidity.  Just as a reminder, malaria disease is caused by plasmodium bacteria species that are usually transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. As the mosquito feed on human blood, it leaves behind traces of the bacteria in the human blood which then causes malaria when the parasites multiply in the erythrocytes. The video below gives a good explanation of the disease:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMNmOsl5_e4

When one gets infected with the parasite, the symptoms do not show immediately and it might take around 7- 14 days for the symptoms to show. This is what is known as incubation period which later leads to symptoms showing like headache, fever, malaise, sweating, chills, nausea and vomiting which may be confused with other diseases like flu which has almost similar symptoms. To test for malaria a blood sample is sent to the lab to perform a smear and confirm which parasite has infected the patient (state government of Victoria n.d.)

http://enihealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/malaria-symptoms1.gif

 

 

 

According to the World Health Organization, if the disease is not treated the symptoms may progress to become serious illness like severe anemia, respiratory distress or even cerebral malaria which shows critical infection. It might also lead to death which is during severe cases when medications are not taken. This always is the scenario in the sub - Saharan countries when the disease strikes the people do not get medicated in time which leads to many deaths happening. Acting faster once the symptoms is the best way to avoid deaths and getting tested is always the best choice to make sure treatment is provided. 

CITATIONS

Infectious diseases epidemiology and surveillance. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://ideas.health.vic.gov.au/bluebook/malaria.asp

Malaria. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en/