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Malaria is an infectious tropical disease spread by mosquitos.
What to look for
fever - sometimes the
only symptom
other flu like symptoms such as -
headache,
fatigue, and nausea.
sudden chills and severe
shaking.
profuse sweating.
Malaria is an infectious
disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Almost all tropical areas (Asia, Africa and India) have
malaria-transmitting mosquitos.
Early symptoms of malaria
include flu like characteristics. The disease has three distinct stages - a cold stage, a
hot stage and a sweating stage.
Causes
Malaria is caused by a bite
from the infected Anopheles mosquito, which injects the malaria parasites into the
bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they travel to the liver, where they multiply at a
tremendous rate and begin to destroy red blood cells. This is what causes the symptoms of
malaria.
There is one species of
parasite which is fatal and it is highly resistant to anti-malaria drugs.
Others may lay dormant in
your liver for years without making their presence known.
You will be given a blood
test to determine if you have malaria.
Traditional Treatment
Left untreated malaria can
be fatal. Quick and appropriate conventional treatment, however, can result in a speedy
and complete recovery.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative therapies can
treat the symptoms of malaria and help your body recover from conventional medications.
Herbal Therapies -
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), sometimes called
feverwort, was used by Native Americans and early American colonists to treat feverish
illnesses, including malaria. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), sometimes called
feverwort, was used by Native Americans and early American colonists to treat feverish
illnesses, including malaria.
Homoeopathy -
Remedies
prescribed for malaria include
Arsenicum album
and
Sulphur. Consult a Professional for dosages
and length of treatment. Remedies
prescribed for malaria include
Arsenicum album
and
Sulphur. Consult a Professional for dosages
and length of treatment.
Prevention
Immunisation is the best
prevention of this disease especially if you are travelling anywhere in the tropics.
Take a preventive
antimalarial medication before, during, and after the trip.
Sleep under mosquito
netting treated with an insecticide
Stay in buildings with
air conditioning or screened doors and windows.
Stay indoors from dusk to
dawn, the time when mosquitoes feed.
If you go out in the
evening, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Use a mosquito repellent
When to seek further
professional advice
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