STD 12th / Ch-8/ Malaria
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Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several species of Plasmodium, but the most common types that cause malaria in humans are Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.
Once inside the body, the Plasmodium parasite multiplies in the liver and then infects red blood cells, causing them to burst and releasing more parasites into the bloodstream. The disease can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, malaria can cause organ failure, seizures, and even death.
Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. The risk of malaria is highest in areas where Anopheles mosquitoes are present and where there is a high rate of Plasmodium infection.
Malaria is spread through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically feed at night and are most active at dusk and dawn. When an infected mosquito bites a human, it injects the Plasmodium parasite into the bloodstream. The parasite then travels to the liver, where it multiplies and eventually infects red blood cells.
Malaria can also be spread through blood transfusions or the sharing of needles or other injection equipment. In rare cases, it can be spread from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Preventing malaria involves a combination of measures, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, mosquito control measures, and antimalarial medications. Travelers to areas with high rates of malaria are often advised to take prophylactic medications to prevent infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria are also important to prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission.
The symptoms of malaria typically appear within 10-15 days after infection, but they can sometimes take up to a month or more to appear.
The most common symptoms of malaria include:
High fever
Chills and shivering
Headache
Muscle aches and joint pain
Fatigue and weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
In some cases, people with malaria may also experience other symptoms, such as a cough, chest pain, or confusion. Severe cases of malaria can lead to complications such as organ failure, seizures, and coma.
It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you may have malaria or if you have recently traveled to an area with a high risk of malaria transmission. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission.
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