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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.

Answered by Dr. Shweta Dhawan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shweta Dhawan is a dedicated General Practitioner committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate primary care. She focuses on preventive health, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for patients of all ages. With a patient-centered approach, she strives to promote long-term wellness and build trusted relationships with individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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 by Dr. Sowmiya D
Published At July 1, 2024
Reviewed At July 1, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shweta Dhawan is a dedicated General Practitioner committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate primary care. She focuses on preventive health, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for patients of all ages. With a patient-centered approach, she strives to promote long-term wellness and build trusted relationships with individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sowmiya is a dedicated Dentist with valuable clinical experience in providing quality oral healthcare. She has sound expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental conditions with precision and care. Her areas of expertise include preventive and restorative dentistry, cosmetic dental treatments, and oral hygiene management aimed at maintaining healthy teeth and a confident smile.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shweta Dhawan is a dedicated General Practitioner committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate primary care. She focuses on preventive health, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for patients of all ages. With a patient-centered approach, she strives to promote long-term wellness and build trusted relationships with individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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