This health illness comes from mosquitoes. Hence, there are different types of malaria that you should know. Each type has a different parasite involve. A person who is sick with it will experience signs like fever and chills. Also, it can transfer from an animal to a human, the same as other cases in Southeast Asia. If not treated with proper medication, then it can lead to death.
Global Cases
It is good to know we can avoid having this illness. In the United States, there are around 2,000 cases every year. Mostly, they come from travelers who recently went to a place where it occurs.
The World Health Organization counts 405,000 deaths from all over the world. Different types of malaria cause it. However, sadly, most of the cases are children that come from Africa. It is an illness that is associated with poverty, especially in developing nations. Being poor is one of the reasons why it spread to some countries. Hence, having less access to medical care and drugs can make it worst.
How can it spread to people?
One can get it through a malaria mosquito. Usually, it is from a female mosquito. It is the female who can only pass on the illness by sucking blood from an infected person. Once a mosquito bites a sick person, then they will start to carry the parasite. After a week, the mosquito will take its next blood meal from a person. Therefore, it will mix with their saliva and pass on to the next person.
The malaria life cycle will never stop. It can transfer through blood transfusion. Also, it is possible to get it through an organ transplant. People who want to donate blood or an organ must be healthy and free from this illness. The use of a syringe is sometimes one way of getting it. A mother who is also sick can pass it to her baby
Seriousness
Moreover, it is a very serious illness that needs quick medical attention. However, it does not spread from one person to another, like other illnesses. Also, one cannot get it through sexual intercourse. Also, having close contact with sick people will not make you ill. You can sit next to a sick person, and you are still safe from the infection.
Types of Malaria
1. Plasmodium Vivax
Mostly, it is common in India, but it infects people from different parts of the world. Almost 60% of cases in India come from this type. It can lead to a serious condition, but it will not lead to death.
Signs of this type are fatigue, diarrhea, fever, and chills. It is similar to having a cold and flu.
2. Plasmodium ovale
It is very common in the tropical region of West Africa, such as Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana. Also, it is one of the most uncommon types of malaria mosquito. It is not common because it lives inside the body of the sick person. They can live up to two years right after being bitten by the mosquito.
3. Malariae
Commonly, it lives in regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Hence, it is not the deadliest but ranks third when it comes to its number worldwide. Likewise, a person will experience chills and fever.
4. Falciparum
This type causes most of the death around the world. A person who has it will experience signs like body ache, fever, vomiting, sore back, pain, attacks, and more. In serious cases, a patient may experience attacks and paralysis. It is very important to become aware of it earlier to increase the chances of getting better.
Each year, 300 to 600 million people are getting sick. It is because of the inability to prevent the malaria life cycle. Many people already died from this illness. Therefore, people should protect themselves.
Prevention
One way to beat this illness is by protecting yourself from a mosquito bite. It is true, especially if you are in a place where there is a higher malaria mosquito case.
- It is good to wear long sleeves and pants that can cover your skin.
- Mosquitoes live in corner areas of the house. Therefore, make sure you spray it with a mosquito killer.
- Also, avoid having stagnant water around the house.
- Always keep your home and outside environment clean and dry.
