Plasmodium parasites, which are transferred to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, are the cause of malaria, a potentially fatal disease. Particularly in Africa, South Asia, and South America, the disease is common in tropical and subtropical areas. One of the disease’s defining symptoms is malaria fever.
Symptoms of Malaria Fever.
Malaria is characterized by recurrent fever episodes that are frequently accompanied by chills and perspiration. Depending on the species of Plasmodium that is causing the infection, these episodes can happen every 48 to 72 hours.
Chills: A malaria patient may shake violently and get chills during the “cold stage” of the fever cycle. During this phase, the body temperature might drop quickly.
High Fever: The “hot stage” is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, frequently reaching 104°F (40°C) or more, and occurs after the chills. During this phase, the person could feel swelteringly hot and perspiring.
Sweating: The fever usually ends with severe sweating, which signifies the conclusion of the fever cycle. During this phase, the person’s temperature returns to normal.
Other Symptoms of Malaria.
Headache
joint and muscle ache
Fatigue
nausea and diarrheic
Diarrhea
Low red blood cell count, or anemia
spleen and liver growth
In severe situations, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
In severe situations, confusion or neurological signs
It’s crucial to remember that symptoms might change based on the species of Plasmodium that caused the infection, the person’s immune system, and their general health. In addition to organ failure, severe anemia, and cerebral malaria (infection of the brain), severe malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can result in consequences that, if not properly treated, can be fatal.
Malaria is mostly spread via the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes that are infected. A malaria-infected person’s blood and the parasite are both ingested by the mosquito when it bites them. After a lengthy lifespan inside the mosquito, the parasite eventually makes its way to the salivary glands. The infection begins when the infected mosquito bites another person and introduces the parasites into their circulation.
The Plasmodium parasite has a complicated lifecycle that involves both people and insects. The parasite goes through several stages of development once it enters the human body, including the liver stage (where it multiplies) and the blood stage (where it produces malaria symptoms). The parasite’s capacity to bypass the human immune system and multiply quickly adds to the illness’s severity.
Types of Plasmodium: Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous of the Plasmodium species that can cause malaria in humans. Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovule, Plasmodium malaria, and Plasmodium Knowles are further species. Each species differs from the others in terms of traits like different fever patterns and probable consequences.
Geographic Distribution: Tropical and subtropical areas, where the climate is conducive to the Anopheles mosquito’s flourishing, are where malaria is most common. The majority of malaria infections and fatalities occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, with small children and expectant mothers being particularly at risk. In some areas, the fight against malaria has seen substantial advancements that have reduced transmission and improved health outcomes.
Treatment and Diagnosis: Laboratory tests that look for the parasite in a person’s blood are used to diagnose malaria. RDTs (rapid diagnostic tests) have grown to be a crucial tool for prompt and precise diagnosis in places with poor access to lab facilities. Antimalarial drugs, which target the parasite at various stages of its lifecycle, are commonly used as a form of treatment. It is important to continue conducting research and developing novel treatment methods because resistance to some antimalarial medications is a problem.
