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Malaria: Causes, Prevention and Care

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Malaria Overview & Guide

  1. 1What is Malaria?Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites called Plasmodium. It is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Plasmodium falciparum causes most severe malaria cases in Nigeria and many parts of Africa.
  2. 2How is Malaria Transmitted?An infected mosquito passes the parasite into a person's bloodstream when it bites. The parasites first travel to the liver, where they develop. They then enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells. Malaria is not spread through ordinary contact such as handshakes, hugging or sharing food.
  3. 3Signs and SymptomsCommon symptoms include fever, headache, chills, shivering, sweating, body weakness, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These symptoms can also occur in other illnesses, so testing is important.
  4. 4How is Malaria Diagnosed?Malaria is diagnosed using a blood test. Two common methods are the Rapid Diagnostic Test, or RDT, and blood film microscopy. An RDT detects malaria parasite antigens in a blood sample and usually gives a quick result. Microscopy involves examining a blood film under a microscope to identify parasites and estimate the level of parasites in the blood.
  5. 5TreatmentTreatment depends on the type and severity of malaria. Uncomplicated malaria is commonly treated with an appropriate Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy, known as ACT, such as artemether-lumefantrine. Severe malaria is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital care and injectable artesunate. Take medicines only as prescribed, complete the treatment course and avoid self-medication.
  6. 6Complications and Danger SignsSevere malaria can cause severe anaemia, brain involvement called cerebral malaria, kidney injury, breathing difficulties, low blood glucose, organ failure and death. Danger signs include convulsions, confusion, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, repeated vomiting, or being unable to drink or breastfeed. Children under five, pregnant women and people with reduced immunity are at higher risk.
  7. 7PreventionYou can reduce the risk of malaria by sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, using suitable mosquito repellents, fitting screens on windows and doors, following recommended malaria prevention advice during pregnancy, removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and keeping your surroundings clean.