What is a Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.
In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide.
The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627 000 in 2020.
The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high global malaria burden. In 2020, the region was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.
Who can get Malaria?
Persons who visit malaria-endemic areas are at risk of getting malaria. In South Africa, the person at risk of severe and complicated malaria includes young children living in malaria areas, pregnant women, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
READ MORE: DO YOU HAVE DIABETES SYMPTOMS? JUST BOIL THESE LEAVES AND TREAT DIABETES WITHOUT MEDICATIONS
Where does Malaria occur in Ghana?
Malaria is endemic and perennial in Ghana, with pronounced seasonal variations in the northern part of the country. The length of malaria transmission varies by geographic region, depending on the length of the dry season (December–March), during which there is the little transmission. however, the Volta Region, one of Ghana’s ten administrative regions, has the highest prevalence of malaria in the country.
How is malaria transmitted?
Malaria is transmitted to humans by certain species of Anopheles mosquito. There are four main parasite species. Plasmodium falciparum causes falciparum malaria, and plasmodium vivax causes vivax malaria, causing quartan or malaria. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species in South Africa, with very few cases caused by Plasmodium vivax. Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malaria are not locally transmitted but have been identified in returning travelers.
Does malaria affect animals?
Some animals, e.g. birds, rodents, and reptiles, can be infected with malaria species that are different from the human ones mentioned above. Apes and humans can share some malaria species but otherwise, animal malaria does not normally affect humans.
What are the signs and symptoms of malaria?
The incubation period of malaria may be as short as 7 days but is on average 10 to 21 days in patients who are non-immune and have not taken chemoprophylaxis. The incubation periods may be prolonged in patients who have taken prophylaxis or have taken certain antibiotics for other reasons.
READ MORE: FIVE(5) HEALTH BENEFITS OF PREKESE YOU NEVER KNEW
The initial symptoms of malaria are non-specific and include acute onset of fever and influenza-like symptoms. In adults, headaches, rigors with cold shivers, sweating, and myalgia are common. Later, lassitude, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and cough may occur. In young children, malaria may present with fever lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea
How can Malaria be prevented?
The only way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites:
Use insecticides:
Applying insecticide can kill adult mosquitoes
Sleeping nets:
Sleep under nets, to prevent mosquito bites.
Sleeping nets treated with insecticides are recommended in areas where malaria and mosquitoes are endemic with particular importance for pregnant women and young children who are particularly vulnerable.
Cover your body:
Try to minimize body exposure by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts
Mosquitoes are more active from dusk to dawn care should be taken during these times.
Apply creams or sprays:
Mosquito repellent creams or sprays are available
These can keep the mosquitoes away
READ MORE: Three(3) Reasons Your Teeth Are Turning Yellow These Days
