Malaria is a disease brought on by a parasite spread through infected mosquito bites. It’s a life-threatening infection commonly present in tropical countries, although occasionally seen in other areas.
“Malaria was once common in america, including in Maryland, but we’ve got not seen a case in Maryland that was not related to travel in over 40 years. We’re taking this very seriously and can work with local and federal health officials to research this case,” Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland Department of Health secretary, said in a press release.
Listed here are the symptoms of malaria:
- Fever and chills
- Headache and discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle pain
The symptoms normally appear inside every week or two after an individual gets infected with the parasite. In some rare cases, the incubation period will be greater than a month or as much as a yr after the bite from the infected mosquito.
If the infection just isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly, it could actually result in complications corresponding to severe anemia, hyperglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, jaundice, rupturing of the spleen, kidney failure and everlasting brain damage.
Children under the age of 5, pregnant women, travelers and other people with weakened immune systems, corresponding to a patient with HIV or AIDS, are at a better risk of getting the infection.
In young children, malaria may cause complications that may result in coma, convulsions and cognitive developmental damage. When a pregnant woman gets infected with malaria, it could actually raise the chance of premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth and death of the mother.
Malaria is diagnosed with blood tests, which also can assist in determining the severity of the condition.
The very best strategy for stopping malaria is to avoid mosquito bites and take medicines corresponding to chemoprophylaxis while traveling to areas susceptible to infection. Using mosquito nets, repellents and protective clothing can reduce the chance of mosquito bites. The World Health Organization recommends using the malaria vaccine amongst children living in areas with moderate to high transmission of the disease.
Published by Medicaldaily.com