The Malaria Dissease Cause, Signs Symptoms And Treatment (Essay Sample)

Malaria
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Malaria is a dangerous infectious disease in the tropical areas and can cause death if not treated early. Infectious diseases differ from non infectious diseases in that; an infectious disease is caused by pathogenic microorganisms like parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Additionally, an infectious disease can be spread either directly or directly from one person to another (World Health Organization, 2015). The essay shall narrow research on malaria. Malaria is a life threatening disease found in many tropical and subtropical areas. There are more than 100 countries in the world that are susceptible to malaria. Additionally, statistics have shown that more than 125 million international travelers travel to these countries which have got high transmission cases. In this scenario, many of the travelers have been affected while they visit the malaria prone countries and 10,000 cases are reported each year for those who return home with the disease. (WHO, n.d). Furthermore, statistics may not be accurate and therefore numbers may be higher than anticipated. In relation to the above phenomenon, migrants from malaria transmission countries are also at risk of contracting the disease due to absence of malaria immunity in their immune systems. Consequently, travelers who contract the disease after they return to their home countries find problems in treatment because the medical personnel may be unfamiliar with the diagnosis and the treatment of the disease (WHO, n.d).
Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite called plasmodium. Four species known to cause malaria to humans include; Plasmodium. falciparum, P. ovale P. vivax and p. Malariae. The transmission of malaria is caused by a bite of the female Anopheles mosquito (vector) which is active between dusk and dawn. Malaria is an acute disease with an incubation period of 7 days. Furthermore, people can be infected with malaria parasites multiple times according to new research (Science News, 2015). The major clinical symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, vomiting, chills, muscular aching, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea and body weakness. Additionally, the other symptoms related to organ failure may arise like pulmonary oedema, acute renal failure, circulatory collapse, generalized convulsions coma and death may follow (WHO, n.d).
The occurrence of malaria depends on climatic factors such as humidity, temperature and rainfall. In most cases, malaria occurs in the tropical areas and subtropical areas that have got environments conditions for the survival of the vector (Anopheles) mosquitoes. Temperature is the most critical factor for the multiplication of Anopheles. Temperatures below 20°C (68°F) will not allow completion of lifecycle of P. falciparum. Malaria occurs mostly in Africa South of the Sahara desert and in some parts of Oceania like Papua New Guinea (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Malaria affect mostly young children, people who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and elderly travelers. Malaria inflicts stillbirth, maternal death, neonatal death and miscarriage in high risk groups like the elderly travelers (WHO, (n.d).
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can be life saving. There are a variety of treatments administered during treatment of malaria and this depends on the species the individual is infected with. In other cases, there are possibilities of mixed infections like P. Vivax and P. falciparum. In this case, suitable treatment include; atovaquone, artemether, proguani, quinine plus doxycline or clindamycin, and dihydroartemisinin. On the other hand, treatment for P.vivax include; a combination of Chloroqune and primaquine or incase if they are not available quinine can be used. According to (Bloland, 2001), there is a limited number of malaria treatment drugs that can be utilized to prevent or treat malaria. However, the commonly used derivatives include quinine and antifolate.
Malaria can be prevented through introduction of a vaccine, according to the article published in the in Scientific America. Malaria vaccine has become one of its kinds that provide 100% protection (Butler & Nature Magazine, 2013). Malaria can also be prevented by use of mosquito repellants that are applied on arms and legs and also the use of the mosquito nets. Additionally, one can also consider taking ant malaria tablets (NHS Choices, 2014).
In conclusion, malaria is an infectious disease caused by a female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria occurs in tropical countries and ...