iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersInfectious Diseasesmalaria

What are the preventive and management strategies for malaria?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been hearing a lot about how mosquito-born diseases like malaria and dengue are spreading to new areas thanks to climate change. Apparently rising temperatures are allowing those blood-sucking pests to thrive in regions they could not thrive before. I would like to know how big of a threat is this really gonna be going forward? Are we going to see malaria become way more common even in places like the U.S. if global warming keeps getting worse? I thought we had that under control in developed countries at least. Also, what are the latest preventives or treatments if you do get bit by an infected mosquitoes? I will be travelling to some tropical areas soon so I am worried. Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Hello, malaria being a vector bone disease, from the climate change in the environment that supports mosquito breeding. beginning with a flu-like illness, the hallmark symptom of malaria is its paroxysmal fever that can last up to 10 hours at a time. The classic description is a quartan (every 72 hours) or tertian (every 48 hours) fever periodicity synchronized with Plasmodium merozoites bursting from red blood cells during malaria’s asexual erythrocytic phase. These paroxysms occur with abrupt cold “chills” that transitions after about an hour to profuse sweating, high fever, headache, malaise, and myalgias Infection with malaria can result in several physiologic derangements such as anemia, acidosis, and hypoglycemia to name a few. Due to its tendency to transition to an adherent phenotype, infection with P falciparum predisposes patients to thrombosis and thrombocytopenia throughout the body. Most treatment regimens for Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest species, involve artemisinin combination therapy For prophylaxis: R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, Treat clothing, mosquito nets, tents, sleeping bags, and other fabrics with insect repellent. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover your skin. The surface of the water may be coated with oils. The pupae and larvae are suffocated as a result. Kerosene or vegetable oil can be used for the same purpose. Have fogging done in your area before the rainy season arrives, and repeat the process at regular intervals. The mosquitoes that may be hiding in places are helped by fogging. Avoid letting water collect in coolers, tiny pits, or tires. These are conducive environments for mosquito development. It is best to make sure that storage areas don't have any standing water. If it rains, you should clean the surroundings immediately.

Medically reviewed byDr. Sowmiya D

Published At July 1, 2024
Reviewed AtJuly 1, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.