Malaria

Malaria:

Definition

Malaria is a protozoal disease caused by infection with parasites of the Genus plasmodium.

Causative organism

Female anopheles mosquitoes

Mode of Transmission - Malaria is transmitted by the bite of infected female anopheles mosquito.

Incubation Period - In some strains the incubation period may be delayed for as long as 6-9 months

Intermittent fever has 3 stages.

1. Cold stage (1/4 to ½ hours) - Head ache, Shivering fever rising rapidly

2. Hot stage (1/2 to 5 hours) - Very hot feeling, severe headache, skin flushed, fever starts falling

3. Sweating stage - Profuse sweating, temperature normal, Enlargement of spleen and secondary anaemia.

Diagnosis

Blood smear test

Treatment

Antimalarial drugs