About:
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a major public health problem.
Causes of Malaria:
Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium, which has five species that can infect humans – P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests the parasite along with the blood meal. The parasite then reproduces in the mosquito’s gut and migrates to its salivary glands, where it can be transmitted to another person when the mosquito bites again.
Type of dosha:
In Ayurveda, malaria is considered a type of “Vishama Jvara” or irregular fever. It is associated with an imbalance of the “Vata” dosha, which controls the nervous system and is responsible for movement in the body. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in Vata can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and headaches, which are characteristic of malaria.
Danger without treatment:
Malaria can be a very dangerous disease if left untreated. The severity of the disease depends on the species of the parasite, the immunity of the infected person, and the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, malaria can progress rapidly and cause complications such as anemia, kidney failure, cerebral malaria (which affects the brain), and even death.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of malaria usually appear within 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Precautions:
Here are the top 10 precautions you can take to protect yourself from malaria:
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Use mosquito nets: Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.
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Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin.
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Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
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Avoid mosquito-infested areas: Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours, usually from dusk to dawn.
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Stay in air-conditioned or screened areas: If possible, stay in a screened or air-conditioned room to avoid mosquito bites.
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Eliminate standing water: Remove any standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
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Take antimalarial medication: If you are traveling to an area where malaria is prevalent, take antimalarial medication as prescribed.
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Seek medical attention: If you develop symptoms of malaria, seek medical attention immediately.
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Get vaccinated: If a malaria vaccine is available, consider getting vaccinated.
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Keep your immune system strong: Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and avoid stress to keep your immune system strong.
Facts of WHO:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria remains a significant public health problem, with an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. The majority of cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is endemic. The WHO has set a target of reducing malaria cases and deaths by at least 90% by 2030 through a combination of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. These include the use of insecticide-treated mosquito
