A key disease in LIDCs: Malaria

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What is malaria?

  • Malaria is an infectious disease which means that it can be spread by parasies, viruses and bacteria. Malaria is caused by a one-celled parasite called a Plasmodium. However, malaria is not contagious because it is spread by mosquitoes and not from human contact.
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Plasmodium Parasites

The types of plasmodium parasite which cause malaria are:

  • Plasmodium falciparum: The most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths worldwide.
  • Plasmodium vivax: Milder symptoms than above but can stay in the liver for up to three years which can result in relapse.
  • Plasmodium ovale: Fairly uncommon, remains in liver for several years without producing symptoms.
  • Plasmodium malariae: Quite rare and only found in Africa.
  • Plasmodium knowlesi: Very rare and found in Africa.
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Malaria Symptoms

  • High Temperature (Fever)
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle Pins
  • Diarrhoea
  • Generally feeling unwell
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Malaria Risk Areas

  • Large areas of Africa and Asia
  • Central and South America
  • Haiti and the Dominican Republic
  • Parts of the Middle East
  • Some Pacific Islands
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Malaria Treatment

The main treatment for malaria is antimalarials.

Ways to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Stay somewhere that has effective air conditioning and screening on dorrs and windows. If this is not possible, make sure doors and windows close properly.
  • If you are not sleeping in an air-conditioned room, sleep under an intact moquito net that has been treated with insecticide.
  • Use insect repellent on your skin and in sleeping environments. Remember to reapply it frequently. The most effective repellents contains diethyltoulaumide (DEET) and are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting trousers rather than shorts, and wear shirts with long sleeves. This is particularly important during early evening and at night, when mosquitos prefer to feed.
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