Have you ever been on a trip to a dry zone, for example, to places like Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa? You must have heard elders telling you to be careful of mosquitoes when you go. The main reason for that is a disease called malaria. Although it used to be a big health problem in our country, Sri Lanka has now been certified by the World Health Organization as a malaria-free country. That is a great achievement! However, that does not mean that we should forget about it completely.
It is very important to be aware of malaria, especially if you are going abroad for work or for a trip. So, today we will talk about what malaria is, how it is spread, and how to protect ourselves.
What exactly is malaria?
Simply put, malaria is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease caused by a parasite. This disease is transmitted to us through the bite of a female mosquito (Anopheles species) that has malaria. When this parasite enters our blood, it first goes to the liver. There, it multiplies, re-enters the blood and begins to destroy red blood cells. That's where we start to show symptoms. Although malaria is no longer common in Sri Lanka, this disease is still common in countries with warm climates such as African countries, some countries in South and Southeast Asia, and some parts of South America. Therefore, if you are going to such a country, it is essential to be aware of this.
What types of parasites cause malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. There are several main types of malaria that cause malaria in humans. Not all of them are the same; some are more dangerous than others.
| Parasite type | Description |
|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | This is the most dangerous type. It multiplies very quickly in the body. It can cause things like severe anemia and blockage of small blood vessels in the brain. If it affects the brain, we call it cerebral malaria . This is also life-threatening. It is most common in Africa. |
| Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) | This type is a little different. It can remain latent in the liver for months, even years, after a mosquito bite and then recur (relapse). It is common in Asia and Latin America. |
| Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) | This is very similar to P. vivax and is most common in West Africa and the western Pacific islands. |
| Plasmodium malariae (P. malariae) | If not treated properly, this type can cause a chronic infection that lasts a lifetime. It is seen all over the world. |
| Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) | Although this is a type that usually affects monkeys, it has now been discovered that it can also infect humans. It multiplies in as little as 24 hours, so it can quickly become severe. It is found in Southeast Asia. |
How is malaria transmitted?
The main way is through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito carrying the malaria parasite .
It is not spread from person to person like a cold or the flu, through sneezing, touching, or sex. This means that malaria is not contagious. However, very rarely, it can be spread in other ways:
- By receiving blood transfusions from an infected person (but now, because blood is tested before it is given, the chance of this happening is very low).
- By sharing injection needles contaminated with infected blood.
- From an infected pregnant mother to her child, during pregnancy or childbirth.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Symptoms usually appear
10 to 15 days after a mosquito bite. However, some strains (especially P. vivax) can take longer. The initial symptoms may resemble a common cold or flu, making them easy to confuse.
Symptoms that may occur when the disease is severe
| Common symptoms |
|---|
| - High fever | - Body pain |
| - Chills | - Headache |
| - Excessive sweating | - Nausea or vomiting |
| - Extreme fatigue | - Diarrhea |
| - Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) | - Confusion |
| - Seizure/convulsions | - Kidney failure |
| - Blood in the stool | - Difficulty breathing |
When should you see a doctor?
This is the most important thing. Malaria is a disease that can get worse quickly. Therefore,
it is essential to seek medical treatment without delay. If you have recently traveled to a country where malaria is a risk and have any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor immediately. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel history.
How to diagnose malaria?
Based on your symptoms and travel history, your doctor may suspect malaria. He or she will run several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood Smear: This is the most important and accurate test. A drop of blood from your finger is placed on a slide, stained with a special dye, and examined under a microscope. This can show whether the parasite is present, what type it is, and how many are present.
- Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): This is a test that can provide quick results. Similar to the at-home COVID-19 test, a drop of blood is placed on a test strip. However, this does not always identify the exact type of parasite, so a blood smear must also be done.
- Molecular Test (PCR): This tests for the presence of the parasite's DNA in the blood. This test helps to identify the specific type of parasite.
- Antibody Test: This checks whether you have had malaria before.
Treatment and prevention
The treatment you receive will depend on several factors. For example, the type of parasite you are infected with, the severity of your symptoms, your age, whether you are pregnant, and the area where you are infected. The medications your doctor may prescribe may include Chloroquine, Artemether-lumefantrine, and Primaquine.
Never use these medications without the advice of a doctor. How to protect yourself from malaria?
"Prevention is better than cure," they say. If you're traveling to a country where malaria is a risk, be sure to do these things.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin: long pants, long-sleeved shirts.
- Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent containing an ingredient like DEET to exposed areas of skin.
- Use mosquito nets: When sleeping, using a mosquito net, especially one that has been treated with an insecticide (such as permethrin), provides great protection.
- Get preventive medicine: See a doctor before your trip and get a malaria preventive medicine that is appropriate for the area you are traveling to. This medicine should be taken for a set period of time before, during, and after your trip.
Take-Home Message
- Malaria is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Although malaria has been eliminated from Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans traveling to countries with a malaria risk are still at risk.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache, especially after traveling abroad, seek medical advice immediately .
- Before traveling to a malaria-risk area, talk to your doctor about protecting yourself from mosquitoes and taking preventative medication.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications caused by malaria.
Malaria, Malaria Sinhala, Mosquito-borne diseases, Malaria symptoms, Malaria treatment, Protection from malaria, Plasmodium
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