Malaria

What is Malaria : Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases and an enormous public health problem. Malaria is one of the leading causes of disease and death in the world. It is estimated that there are 300-500 million new cases every year, with 1.5 to 2.7 million deaths worldwide. Malaria is an infectious disease characterized by cycles of chills, fever, and pain and sweating. Historical records suggest malaria has infected humans since the beginning of mankind. There are four species of Malaria. Of the four species of malaria, the most serious type is Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It can be life-threatening. The other three species of malaria (P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale) are generally less serious and are not life-threatening Although malaria has been virtually eradicated in countries with temperate climates, it's still prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Central America. Evolving strains of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes continue to make this disease a global health issue. Malaria remains one of the world's leading infectious killers, particularly of children in sub-Saharan Africa. Most American cases of malaria develop in travelers who have recently returned from parts of the world where malaria is widespread. Generally, Africa carries the highest risk for the most serious cases. Parasitic Plasmodium species also infect birds, reptiles, monkeys, chimpanzees and rodents. There have been documented human infections with several simian species of malaria, namely P. knowlesi, P. inui, P. cynomolgi, P. simiovale, P. brazilianum, P. schwetzi and P. simium; however, with the exception of P. knowlesi, these are mostly of limited public health importance. Although avian malaria can kill chickens and turkeys, this disease does not cause serious economic losses to poultry farmers. However, since being accidentally introduced by humans it has decimated the endemic birds of Hawaii, which evolved in its absence and lack any resistance to it. When symptoms appear The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear (incubation period) generally ranges from:1 9 to 14 days for Plasmodium (P.) falciparum. 12 to 18 days for P. vivax and P. ovale. 18 to 40 days for P. malariae. 11 to 12 days for P. knowlesi. Symptoms can appear in 7 days.  Sometimes, the time between exposure and  signs of illness may be as long as 8 to  10 months with P. vivax and P. ovale. The incubation period may be longer if  you are taking medicine to prevent  infection (chemoprophylaxis) or because  you have some immunity due to previous  infections. Variation in symptoms In regions where malaria is present,  people who get infected many times may  have the disease but have few or no  symptoms.Also, how bad malaria  symptoms are can vary depending on your  general health, what kind of malaria  parasite you have, and whether you still  have your spleen. Common symptoms of malaria In the early stages, malaria symptoms  are sometimes similar to those of many  other infections caused by bacteria,  viruses, or parasites. Symptoms may  include: Fever. Chills. Headache. Sweats. Fatigue. Nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may appear in cycles and may  come and go at different intensities and  for different lengths of time. But,  especially at the beginning of the  illness, the symptoms may not follow  this typical pattern. The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms  is due to the life cycle of malaria  parasites as they develop, reproduce,  and are released from the red blood  cells and livercells in the human body.  This cycle of symptoms is also one of  the major indicators that you are  infected with malaria. Other common symptoms of malaria Other common symptoms of malaria  include: Dry (nonproductive) cough. Muscle and/or back pain. Enlarged spleen. In rare cases, malaria can lead to  impaired function of the brain or spinal  cord,seizures, or loss of consciousness. Infection with the P. falciparum  parasite is usually more serious and may  become life -threatning. There are other conditions with symptoms  similar to a malarial infection. It is  important that you see your doctor to  find out the cause of your symptoms.