Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans (a group of single-celled microorganisms) belonging to the Plasmodium type. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases it can cause yellow skin, seizures, coma, or death. Symptoms usually begin ten to fifteen days after being bitten. If not properly treated, people may have recurrences of the disease months later. In those who have recently survived an infection, reinfection usually causes milder symptoms. This partial resistance disappears over months to years if the person has no continuing exposure to malaria.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Yellow skin
• Seizures
• Coma

Causes:

• Plasmodium spread by mosquitos

Diagnostic Method:

• Examination of blood, antigen detection test

Prevention:

• Mosquito nets, insect repellent
• Mosquito control medication
• Antimalaria Medication