About this topic
Malaria is a harmful disease that affects your blood. It is caused by a parasite. Most often, mosquitoes pass this disease from person to person. ‚
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What are the causes?
Malaria can be spread by: ‚
- Mosquito bite
- Mother to her unborn baby
- Blood transfusion
- Sharing needles used to inject drugs
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have malaria if you live or travel to these countries: ‚
- Central and South America
- Africa and Asia
- South Pacific
- Parts of Middle East
What are the main signs?
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Bloody stools
- High fever, shaking, and chills
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Upset stomach, throwing up, and loose stools
- Muscle and joint pain
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may also ask if you have traveled lately or been bitten by a mosquito. You may need to have blood tests to check for anemia. ‚
The doctor may: ‚
- Feel your belly to check for an enlarged liver or spleen
- Tap your belly to check for pain
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You will be given drugs to treat malaria. If your signs are very bad, you may be sent to the hospital. Doctors will want to make sure you have enough fluids. This will not treat or cure malaria but it will help lessen your chance for other bad side effects. Sometimes, a blood transfusion may be needed. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Very bad anemia
- Fluid loss
- Brain infection
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Meningitis
- Problems breathing
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Keep fluids up in your body
- Lower fever
- Help headache
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be aware and know the risk of malaria when you travel.
- If you are to travel to places where there is malaria outbreak:
- Make sure that you take drugs to help prevent infection.
- Tell your doctor what country you are going to. There are many drugs used for each area that is known for malaria. Ask your doctor which drugs are best for you.
- Make sure that you take your antimalarial drugs during your travel time. Keep taking your drugs and finish them to get full protection when you get home.
- Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed.
- Drain unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
- Protect yourself.
- Apply or spray mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- If you have signs of malaria, see your doctor right away.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/434/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Malaria/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚