Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Malaria is an extremely feared disease. It occurs when the mosquito, Anopheles, contracts the Plasmodium malaria parasite, which is mainly found in tropical and subtropical countries. Seven to fifteen days after a human is bitten by a malaria mosquito, malaria symptoms start to show. If treated promptly, most cases of malaria are not fatal, with the exception of cerebral malaria, which has a high mortality rate. There are now many different types of malaria, and each one may need a different approach to treatment. Therefore, this article compiles the different types of malaria as well as malaria preventive measures.
Which form of malaria is most prevalent?
The most typical type of malaria is vivax malaria. It is the variety that is the most globally distributed. This type of malaria infection is mainly present in South America and Southeast Asia’s cases. Most of the time, it is not fatal but can be extremely troubling, especially for children. This type of malarial disease frequently manifests as fever and chills, diarrhoea, extreme fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. The course of treatment that doctors take involves malaria medication.
Which malarial strain is the most fatal?
The falciparum strain of malaria is the deadliest in existence. Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa all host this parasite subspecies. The patient usually experiences neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures in addition to nausea, fatigue, body aches, enlarged spleen, pain in the abdomen, muscles, and joints, fever, headaches, and anaemia associated with malaria. Because of the severity and reputation of this malaria disease, it must be checked for, identified, and treated promptly in order to prevent fatalities. This is because the nervous system and the brain, in particular, suffer from it. This malaria can also cause paralysis and convulsions.
What other types of malarial infections are there?
One of the rarest forms of malaria is P. ovale. Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia are the primary locations where it is found in Africa. High fevers, shivering chills, joint pain, diarrhoea, and body aches are some of the symptoms. Given that the parasite can lay dormant in the patient’s liver for up to four years, malaria has a tendency to recur. A relapse could occur at any time during this period. Attacks on the red blood cells result in a new infection. Thus, the condition should be managed accordingly.
P. malariae, the malaria parasite that causes this particular type of malaria, is most frequently found in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Prescribed antimalarial medications are used to address the condition. Human malaria is caused by a fifth Plasmodium species, Plasmodium knowlesi, but the precise mode of infection is still unknown.
How might malaria be avoided?
Individuals should take preventative measures to protect themselves from the illness itself. Sprays with a focus on repelling mosquitoes, as well as topical creams and lotions, are examples of personal protection. It has been demonstrated that DEET-containing topical products are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs is another simple way to protect yourself. It should be highlighted that clothes treated with permethrin have been proven beneficial against mosquitoes. In addition, install screens at doorways and windows to keep mosquitoes out and use mosquito nets to cover the sleeping area. Furthermore, travellers going to areas where malaria is common should take the preventive antimalarial medications that have been prescribed to them.
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