Malaria – it starts very small but…

In the dead of the night, we wake up to a familiar yet very annoying buzzing sound. We pull our covers closer to ourselves in an effort to redeem ourselves from this state, and after a while, we drift off to sweet slumber, completely unaware of the covers we hold so tightly. Then, the unwelcome parasite hits. It bites- leaving behind the probability of a quite costly disease. The following morning, when we awake, we rub our skin, oblivious to the events that transpired during the night, only to realize after a pimple or two, that we fell victim to the notorious mosquito.

This story is familiar as malaria is not a new term to most of us. In fact, quite a few of us have suffered at the pangs of this disease. Its mode of transmission is what makes it so popular, as a single bite of the female anopheles mosquito (common in hot and wet climates) can turn you into a helpless shivery mass.

Statistics show that more than 500 million people worldwide fall ill with malaria, mostly kids less than five years and pregnant women. The importance of preventive measures to stop this sickness cannot be overemphasized, as we strive to ensure a malaria free generation.

Causes
Malaria begins with a bite from an infected mosquito. The parasite travels from the mosquito to your liver, where it begins to reproduce. It leaves the liver and travels to the blood stream where it infects the red blood cells, destroys them and releases more parasites into the bloodstream. Another mosquito that bites the infected person can then carry the infection to someone else.

Symptoms
The symptoms include:

• High fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea
• Shaking chills
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Joint pains

When to Seek Medical Care
In the event that you see any of these symptoms on your child, consult a doctor immediately. He will perform tests to ascertain whether the child has malaria and prescribe treatment accordingly.

Treatment
Malaria is mostly treated with oral medication approved by a doctor. Part of the treatment usually includes iron tablets to re-boot your child’s blood count and boost the lost appetite.

Painkillers are also given to relieve the headaches and joint pains, and to help restore general comfort. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to avoid being dehydrated.

Prevention  
Before you and your family travel, especially to areas infested with mosquitoes, see your doctor for the best methods of prevention. He may advise you to take some medication to prevent infection.

Ensure you carry treated mosquito nets, which you should also use in your house. Insect repellents also come in handy to reduce the chances of mosquito bites.

Drain stagnant water, clear bushes and clean your compound by collecting any empty cans carelessly lying around, as these are mosquitoes’ breeding places.

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