Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Awful Results Of Malaria

By Owen Jones


Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease the result of mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more prevalent in areas with significant rainfall and constant high temperatures that supply the ideal conditions for insects to thrive and multiply.

Malarial attacks 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 fits.

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

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

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

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 foremost 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, inflamed liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.

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

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

The control of malaria begins with the use of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in locations where mosquitoes could reproduce easily.

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

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

It is best to note that one manner of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn and dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Avoiding wearing dark colors and opting for 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 should be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective pest control each time.




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