World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 across the globe in order to bring awareness about the deadly life-threatening disease that is disrupting millions of lives, despite progress being made to reduce malaria cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed this year's theme is “Zero malaria starts with me”. Between 2015 and 2017,no considerable reduction has been made to reduce the number of malaria cases, according to the World Malaria Report by WHO. Here is all you need to know about the disease in order to protect yourself and take precaution.
Malaria:
The infectious disease is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of an infected female mosquito. If a person is not treated immediately after being infected, they are likely to develop severe complications like organ failure and breathing issues. Even though close to 100 cases across the globe are affected by the disease, most cases and deaths from the disease happen in sub-Saharan Africa.
Symptoms:
Headaches, vomiting, muscle pains, diarrhoea, feeling shivery, as well as feeling hot and having a high temperature of 38C are some of the symptoms of malaria. An infected person can exhibit these warning signs between seven and 18 days after contracting the disease. Even though it is rare, the symptoms can appear in people even after a year of developing the health condition. Children with malaria could develop symptoms like fatigue, pale skin and dizziness.
Causes malaria:
A parasite known as Plasmodium is what causes malaria. While there are many types of Plasmodium parasites, only five of them cause malaria in humans. It is mainly spread by female mosquitoes that generally bite a night. The parasites get into the bloodstream once a person is infected with it. However, it could also spread in other ways like sharing the same needle or blood transfusions.
Treatment
Most people can make a full recovery after receiving proper treatment quickly. However, it depends on the severity. Medication is available to treat and prevent malaria. The key is to act fast before it becomes severe.
While there is treatment available and progress to eradicate the health issues is being made slowly, nearly half the world's population is at risk of developing the disease, according to non-profit organisation Malaria No More. The tropical disease is reportedly found in regions like Africa and Asia, Dominican Republic, Central and South America, parts of the Middle EastHaiti and Pacific islands.
