Malaria is a mosquito borne infectious disease, and the name of this disease is derived from the Italian word mal’aria, meaning “bad air”.
WHO reports that 1 in 7 Indians are at risk of developing Malaria.
Let’s know some lesser known things about this disease!
- It’s only transmitted by female mosquitoes
Not all mosquitoes can cause Malaria.
Mosquitoes of Anopheles genus and only females of these species can transmit Malaria. A one-celled parasite called a Plasmodium causes Malaria. Female anopheles mosquitoes pick up the parasite from infected people by biting them in order to get blood to nurture their eggs.
- Malaria can be transmitted from one person to another
Although, nobody can catch Malaria like a common cold, but still it be passed through blood transfusions or organ transplants, or through the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood.
- Symptoms of Malaria can range from none to very mild to severe
Depending on the type of parasite, it can take 9-30 days for the symptoms to appear. However, early symptoms of Malaria are headache, muscle ache, sweating, cough, fever, nausea and chills. If the symptoms are not taken seriously and are not treated, this disease can worsen and even lead to death.
- Malaria can be cured
Malaria can be cured if the right drugs are taken at the right time. Malaria parasites can be killed off from the body with the usage of right drugs.
- Prevention is the best cure of Malaria
Stay inside when it’s dark, and use mosquito repellent or bed nets while you are at home. Chances of malaria are higher in children and pregnant women. So, they must avoid traveling to areas where there are more cases of Malaria.
Malaria is a serious disease; therefore, it is very important to take proper precautions! Protect yourself, your family and friends!
Stay away from Malaria!
