Thursday, August 9, 2007

MALARIA




Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.

Key interventions to control malaria include: prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies; use of insecticidal nets by people at risk; and indoor residual spraying with insecticide to control the vector mosquitoes.

Travelers must carry a mosquito net or repellent to prevent malaria.Once it was believed that, it is caused due to mal air(bad air) thus this name! Avoid exposing your body(legs/hands) from 5 P.M to 7 P.M. in the evening,it is the period of time (outdoors),when these mosquitoes roam.

The above map shows regions where Malaria is common,dark to light colours shows more prevalence to less,respectively.