Malaria is an infection caused by a parasite. While it does not spread from person to person, it is still a significant health concern in Africa
With symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, malaria can quickly escalate from manageable to dire. Here are seven essential things to know about malaria disease, along with practical ways to stay healthy and when to get emergency care.
1. How does malaria start?
- Malaria is caused by tiny germs called parasites. A specific mosquito carries these parasites and when a person is bitten by this mosquito, they can be infected by malaria. It’s also helpful to learn more about common malaria myths, so you know how to stay safe.
2. Attacking red blood cells
- Once in the bloodstream, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply and then return to the bloodstream, attacking red blood cells. This can cause the infected person to become intensely sick.
3. What are the first symptoms of malaria?
- People with malaria often feel like they have the flu. Common signs of malaria include a high temperature, feeling very hot or cold, chills (shivering and shaking), headaches, nausea and vomiting and feeling extremely tired and weak. Symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
4. Medication for malaria
- If you’re planning to travel to areas where malaria is common, your doctor might suggest taking preventive medicines called prophylactic antimalarials. These medications help protect you from getting malaria if you’re bitten by an infected mosquito.
5. Health check-ups
- If you live in a malaria-endemic area, think about getting regular check-ups at the clinic to monitor your health, especially if you experience symptoms.
6. Staying safe
- Keep your living space clean and free from standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Regularly empty out the containers that collect water and get rid of standing water puddles near your home.
7. Treatment
- If you’re diagnosed with malaria, follow the prescribed treatment plan and complete your full course of medication to be confident that the infection is fully cleared.
How long does malaria last?
The duration of malaria depends largely on how quickly you start treatment, and to some extent, on the infecting parasite species. If you get quick, effective treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within a few days to a week, and the acute illness resolves within about two weeks.
You might still feel tired for several weeks. Without treatment, however, malaria can last much longer and worsen. This makes early diagnosis and treatment essential, as malaria will not resolve on its own.
Some good news about malaria vaccines
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken a major step forward in its fight against malaria by adding malaria vaccines to its national immunisation efforts.
In June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the DRC is now the 15th country in Africa to introduce malaria vaccination, following in the footsteps of 14 other nations like Ghana, Kenya, and South Sudan. The DRC received close to 700,000 doses of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in June, which is recommended for young children aged one to 23 months.
In more promising news for malaria prevention in Africa, the World Health Organization, in October 2024, declared Egypt as officially malaria-free.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for a country with more than 100 million inhabitants. The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times.
Another step forward in fighting malaria!
Help at hand
If you notice unusual symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), confusion, or severe fatigue, please don’t ignore these warning indicators. These could be symptoms of severe malaria. Reach out to a doctor immediately or go to a clinic for assistance.
The good news is that with the right treatment, malaria symptoms can improve quickly, often within two weeks. However, if you leave it untreated, you may have frequent episodes of malaria, along with the usual symptoms of fever, chills, and sweating.
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