Watch for mozzies Rainy season brings its own challenges While the rains have been welcomed by one and all, standing pools of water and moisture coupled with high heat increase the prevalence of mosquitoes and malaria. Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites you. An infected mother can also pass the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria. Malaria is transmitted by blood so be careful.Mosquitoes that perch with their backsides up, as illustrated in the photograph, are the species that transmit malaria. Mosquitoes love standing pools of water to breed in so be careful around your home. The symptoms of malaria typically develop within ten days to four weeks following the infection. In some people, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body, but will be dormant for long periods of time. Common symptoms of malaria include shaking and chills that can range from moderate to severe; high fever; profuse sweating; headaches; nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; anaemia; muscle pains; convulsions; coma and bloody stools.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose malaria. If you have symptoms of malaria, your doctor must order additional blood tests to confirm your diagnosis. These tests will show what type of malaria you have and if your infection is caused by a parasite that''s resistant to certain types of drugs.
Malaria is deadly and Plasmodium falciparum, the most common of the four species of the disease, is resistant to quinine. It develops into cerebral malaria which is very dangerous. Stay alert.
HEALTHLINE