Cause, Treatment, And Cure Of Malaria: Is The Disease Just As Deadly As The Others?

When you go to the doctor because of a fever, your doctor may ask about your recent travel history. This may be the doctor trying to find out if you have Malaria. So, what has travel history to do with Malaria? Before we go there, let’s start with what malaria is.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, affects the liver first. Within a few days, they enter your bloodstream and target your red blood cells. Once they start destroying the red blood cells, you may start showing symptoms. 

Some of the symptoms include feeling cold, fever, headache, vomiting, sweating, feeling tired. While malaria shows hardly any symptoms for some people and does no harm to their health, it has proven to be fatal for others.

What Causes Malaria?

The bite from a mosquito that has been infected with the Plasmodium parasite causes Malaria to enter your body. Malaria enters through blood transmission. Hence, it could be from a shared blade or syringe. It could also be from a blood transfusion and organ transplant.

The most common reason is by visiting or being in a place where the parasite can thrive. This is why your doctor asks for recent travel history when you show certain symptoms.

How Is It Treated?   

If you are infected with Malaria, your doctor will probably give you medicines that aim to kill the plasmodium parasite from the bloodstream. The treatment usually depends based on the severity of the case and the medical history of the patient. 

Is There A Cure?

There isn’t a vaccine available for Malaria. However, the best thing that can be done is to take preventive steps.

Since malaria is mainly transmitted from places that commonly have cases of Malaria, it is advised to do your research before travelling. Carry a mosquito repellent, sleep with a bed net, and close all windows before sunset. If one person at home has been affected, it is best to spray the house with pesticides.   

When it comes to Malaria, prevention is definitely better than cure, especially since the cure is not promised. Be aware of where you travel to and ask the local doctor if you could take medicines to prevent Malaria.