Global Health Risk Nursing Assignment Paper (Essay Sample)

Global Health Risk: Malaria
Name of Student
University
OUTLINE
* Overview of malaria disease
* Factors that contribute to malaria infection
* Prevention strategies
* Symptoms
* Nursing role
* Pharmacological Management
* Follow-up care
* Conclusion
* References
Global Health Risk: Malaria
Malaria is a tropical disease that is transmitted through an infected Anopheles mosquito which carries plasmodium parasites CITATION Bur17 \l 1033 (Burke 2017). After a mosquito bite, the parasites move with the blood into the liver. Within days of infection, the parasites mature and begin to attack the red corpuscles killing them in the process. Continued infection of the red blood cells results to malaria symptoms CITATION Bur17 \l 1033 (Burke 2017).
Overview of Malaria Disease
World Health Organization (WHO) reports show that at least 3.3 billion people globally are at risk of malaria infection every year. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report about 1750 malaria infection cases yearly CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013). Most of these cases are reported by people who travel to countries with high prevalence of malaria.
Factors That Contribute to Malaria Infection
Genetic factors are the main influencers of malaria. There are two genetic traits that can prevent a person from malaria infection. People suffering from sickle cell are biologically immune to P. falciparum malaria. This is because sickle cell blood condition leads to abnormal hemoglobin gene which cannot be attacked by plasmodium falciparum CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013).
In addition, Duffy blood group negative persons have P. Vivax malaria immune red blood cells CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013). In Africa, large number of people are Duffy negative which accounts for the few cases P. Vivax malaria.
The second factor is Pregnancy. During gestation, the immunity against most diseases decline CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013). Consequently, women who are immune to P. falciparum malaria tend to get malaria during pregnancy. Malaria is dangerous during pregnancy because it affects the mother and the fetus which can lead to premature delivery and high chances of early child mortality CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013).
Behavioral factors refer to human livelihoods which sometimes determine the risk level of malaria infection. U.S. citizens travelling to malaria prevalent regions may be reluctant to take malaria preventive measures due to cost or inconvenience CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013). Apart from that, human activities such as irrigation or mining can make breeding areas for mosquitoes. Agricultural activities such as crop harvesting may also lead to more exposure to mosquito bites during the night CITATION CDC13 \l 1033 (CDC 2013).
Prevention Strategies
Insect treated mosquito nets (ITNs). The insect treated mosquito net is hug over the sleeping bed. The net repels mosquitoes and kills those that come into contact with it CITATION USA17 \l 1033 (USAID 2017).
Indoor residual spraying (IRS). IRS involves spraying of insecticides inside houses. This method helps to kill mature mosquitoes before they breed or infect other people with malaria CITATION USA17 \l 1033 (USAID 2017).
Intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women (IPTp). IPTp refers to the process of administering antimalarial vaccine to an expectant mother during each prenatal visit CITATION USA17 \l 1033 (USAID 2017). This helps to prevent the mother from early delivery or anemia.
Diagnosis and treatment malaria involves testing for malaria and ensuring that all malaria patients are identified and treated with quality-assure artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) CITATION USA17 \l 1033 (USAID 2017).
Symptoms
Malaria symptoms usually develop after 10 days up to 4 weeks after infection although in some people the incubation period can be longer CITATION Bur17 \l 1033 (Burke 2017). The most common malaria symptoms include: high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle pain, joint pain and convulsions.
Diagnostic of malaria in the US involves an examination by a medical doctor to review health history which includes recent visit to a tropical country. This is followed by a physical examination to determine whether there is any abnormality of a major organ. In case there is clear malaria symptoms, the doctor conducts further blood tests to confirm the diagnosis CITATION Bur17 \l 1033 (Burke 2017). The further tests help the doctor to find out whether there is a malaria infection, th...