The Effects Of Malaria

Malaria, a mosquito-borne sickness caused by mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is hugely common in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more widespread in areas with lots of rainfall and constant high temperatures that provide the ideal conditions for insects to thrive and multiply.

Malarial bouts begin with multiplication of the plasmodium virus in the red blood cells and could have long-lasting and even deadly consequences.

Malaria starts with headaches, fever and chills and could, in later stages, also lead to coma. Malaria has 3 stages, the first stage starting with fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, hemoglobinuria, retinal injury and convulsions.

This could occur for 4 to 6 hours every other day, every three days or might occur every four days. As the infection progresses into the second stage, one could experience feelings of heat and dryness, while the third stage could result in extreme fatigue and weakness.

It is however worth noting that the first indications occur around 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite when it multiplies and bursts the red blood cells.

The effects of malaria particularly in children may not be overlooked because a bite from this insect could lead to high intracranial pressure that shows up as abnormal posture caused by severe brain damage.

Malaria caused by mosquito bites could lead to other serious consequences like cognitive impairment, widespread anaemia and neurological damage with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria could result in retinal whitening that is the most distinguishing clinical sign of malaria.

Malaria caused by mosquitoes could in severe cases exhibit itself as an enlarged spleen, chronic headache, clots of blood in the brain, enlarged liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.

Other significant side effects caused by this mosquito bite disease might be dehydration, liver or kidney failure and breathing problems caused by fluid in the lungs.

Rupture of the spleen may lead to internal bleeding with the spread of infection leading to inflammation of the meninges, or membranes, that surround the brain and spinal cord.

The control of malaria starts with the use of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in places where mosquitoes could breed easily.

Home pest control starts with not having water standing about in buckets, tubs and the spraying of insecticides in drains which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellents could be chemical based or could also be in the form of herbal and biological pest control with the planting of mosquito repellent plants in the surroundings.

It is best to remember that one way of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn or dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Not wearing dark colors and choosing long sleeved shirts and long trousers would also help.

Pest control includes using repellents like creams, lotions and electronic devices. It is best to kill mosquitoes by spraying insecticides, but this ought to be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, preventing mosquito bites is the most effective pest control each time.

Owen Jones writes pieces on several subjects, but is currently concerned with the hand held bug zapper If you are interested too, come over to our site at Electronic Insect Killer.