Beware of Malaria Mosquitoes Around Us

Malaria is an infectious disease that is spread through the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the Plasmodium parasite. This disease can cause malaria sufferers to complain of chills and fever. If malaria is not treated quickly and appropriately, it can cause serious complications that can lead to death.

Malaria infection by mosquitoes can occur with just one mosquito bite. Malaria cannot be transmitted directly from individual to individual. In Indonesia alone, the number of people suffering from malaria tends to decrease every year. However, in several areas of Indonesia, there are still many who suffer from malaria, especially in eastern Indonesia, namely the regions of Papua and West Papua.

Causes of malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which infects mosquitoes. This parasite is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. There are many types of Plasmodium parasites, but only five can cause infection in the human body.

Of the five types of Plasmodium parasites that can infect humans, only two are found in Indonesia, namely:

1. Plasmodium vivax

This parasite causes symptoms that are less mild than malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. However, Plasmodium vivax can make malaria recur because it can survive in the liver for three years.

2. Plasmodium falciparum

This parasite is the most common cause of malaria and ranks first as a cause of death caused by malaria.

Symptoms of malaria

Symptoms of malaria themselves appear within 10–15 days after being bitten by a malaria mosquito. The appearance of symptoms can go through three stages within 6–12 hours, with symptoms namely chills, headaches, and fever, followed by sweating profusely and weakness. Symptoms of malaria appear in certain cycles. Here are some symptoms of malaria, such as:

• Headache
• High fever
• Throws up
• shivers
• Dry and limp

Diagnostics of Malaria

Malaria can be ascertained by looking at the symptoms experienced by the patient. A rapid diagnostic test (Rapid Diagnostic Test, or RDT) is performed to find out the presence and type of parasite that causes malaria, as well as a physical examination.

The examination process is carried out using a patient's blood sample, and within 20 minutes, the results can be obtained. RDT results are very important in determining the type of antimalarial drug that will be given to patients.

Blood tests are also carried out to find out whether the patient also has anemia. Anemia is one of the complications that occur due to malaria.

Treatment of Malaria

Malaria sufferers can fully recover if malaria is treated and handled quickly and correctly. The treatment process is carried out immediately after the diagnosis is known. The antimalarial drug given by the doctor depends on the following factors:

• A type of parasite that infects and causes malaria
• The severity of malaria sufferers
• The patient is currently pregnant.

Some types of malaria are known to be resistant to certain drugs. For example, in Indonesia, there are many cases of malaria that cannot be cured if given the antimalarial drug chloroquine because they are already resistant.

If so, the doctor will suggest combining antimalarial drugs. If the malaria case is severe enough to be infected, the drug will be given in the form of a hospital infusion.

To treat malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the drugs given are:

• combination of amodiaquine and artesunate
• A combination of dihydroartemisinin and piperquine
• Combination of artesnate, pyrimethamine, and sulfadoxine

Meanwhile, malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite will be treated with:

• combination of amodiaquine and artesunate
• A combination of piperaquine, dihydroartemisin, and primaquine

For patients who are pregnant, the risk of developing severe malaria will increase. Both the mother and the unborn fetus can experience more serious complications. The treating doctor will involve an obstetrician or gynecologist so that treatment is according to the conditions.

Friends of Hermina, if you experience the conditions or symptoms of malaria as mentioned above, immediately go to the nearest hospital to do an examination and get treatment before the symptoms get worse, because malaria can be deadly. Greetings healthy.