Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central and South America.

Symptoms

• Fever: Often intermittent or cyclical, with high temperatures.
• Chills and Sweats: Alternating with fever episodes.
• Headache: Severe and persistent.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Generalized body aches.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances.
• Anemia: Resulting from the destruction of red blood cells.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver involvement.

Treatment

• Antimalarial Medications: Treatment varies based on the type of Plasmodium and severity of the infection:
  Chloroquine: Effective for non-falciparum malaria.
  Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs): First-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum.
  Primaquine: Used to eliminate dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.
• Supportive Care: In severe cases, intravenous (IV) antimalarial drugs, fluids, and supportive care may be necessary.