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What is malaria?
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that infects the red blood cells. Of
the 4 types of malaria, the most serious type is falciparum malaria. It can be
life-threatening. The other 3 types of malaria (vivax, malariae, and ovale) are
generally less serious and are not life-threatening.
How is malaria transmitted?
As is well known, malaria is transmitted to people by mosquitos. The scientific
name of the particular type of mosquito is Anopheles. An infected Anopheles
mosquito bites a person and injects the malaria parasites into the blood. The
malaria parasites then travel through the bloodstream to the liver and
eventually infect the red blood cells.
Where is malaria a particular problem?
Malaria is a particular problem and a major one in areas of Asia, Africa, and
Central and South America. Unless precautions are taken, anyone living in or
traveling to a country where malaria is present can get the disease.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
The symptoms characteristic of malaria include fever, chills, muscle aches, and
headache. Cycles of chills, fever, and sweating that recur every 1, 2, or 3 days
are typical. There can sometimes be vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and yellowing
(jaundice) of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Persons with severe falciparum malaria may develop bleeding
problems, shock, kidney or liver failure, central nervous system problems, coma,
and die
What is the incubation period for
malaria?
The period between the mosquito bite and the onset of the malarial illness is
usually 1-3 weeks (7 to 21 days). However, the incubation period may be longer
when a person has taken an inadequate course of malaria prevention medications.
Certain types of malaria parasites can also take much longer, as long as 8 to 10
months, to cause symptoms.
How is malaria treated?
The treatment for malaria depends upon the geographic area where a person has
been infected with the disease. Different areas of the world have malaria types
that are resistant to certain medications. The correct drugs for each type of
malaria must be prescribed by a doctor.
Since people infected with falciparum malaria can die (often
because of delayed treatment), immediate treatment for falciparum malaria is
critical.
Is malaria a particular problem during
pregnancy?
Yes. Malaria may pose a serious threat to a pregnant woman and her pregnancy.
Malaria infection in pregnant women may be more severe than in women who are not
pregnant. Malaria may also increase the risk of problems with the pregnancy,
including prematurity, abortion, and stillbirth. Therefore, all pregnant women
who are living in or traveling to a malaria-risk area should consult a doctor
and take prescription drugs to avoid contracting malaria.
Is malaria a particular problem for
children?
Again, yes. All children, including young infants, living in or traveling to
malaria-risk areas should take antimalarial drugs. Although the recommendations
for most antimalarial drugs are the same as for adults, it is crucial to use the
correct dosage for the child which depends on the age and weight of the child.
Since an overdose of an antimalarial drug can be fatal, all
antimalarial (and all other) drugs should be stored in childproof containers
well out of the child's reach.
What is the incubation period for
malaria?
The period between the mosquito bite and the onset of the malarial illness is
usually 1-3 weeks (7 to 21 days). However, the incubation period may be longer
when a person has taken an inadequate course of malaria prevention medications.
Certain types of malaria parasites can also take much longer, as long as 8 to 10
months, to cause symptoms.
How is malaria treated?
The treatment for malaria depends upon the geographic area where a person has
been infected with the disease. Different areas of the world have malaria types
that are resistant to certain medications. The correct drugs for each type of
malaria must be prescribed by a doctor.
Since people infected with falciparum malaria can die (often
because of delayed treatment), immediate treatment for falciparum malaria is
critical.
Is malaria a particular problem during
pregnancy?
Yes. Malaria may pose a serious threat to a pregnant woman and her pregnancy.
Malaria infection in pregnant women may be more severe than in women who are not
pregnant. Malaria may also increase the risk of problems with the pregnancy,
including prematurity, abortion, and stillbirth. Therefore, all pregnant women
who are living in or traveling to a malaria-risk area should consult a doctor
and take prescription drugs to avoid contracting malaria.
Is malaria a particular problem for
children?
Again, yes. All children, including young infants, living in or traveling to
malaria-risk areas should take antimalarial drugs. Although the recommendations
for most antimalarial drugs are the same as for adults, it is crucial to use the
correct dosage for the child which depends on the age and weight of the child.
Since an overdose of an antimalarial drug can be fatal, all
antimalarial (and all other) drugs should be stored in childproof containers
well out of the child's reach.
How do I keep from getting malaria?
If you are traveling to an area known to have malaria, find out which
medications you need to take, and take them as prescribed. Your doctor, travel
clinic or the health department can advise you as to what medicines to take to
keep from getting malaria.
What other precautions should I take
to avoid malaria?
The State of Hawaii Department of Health Communicable Disease Division makes the
following recommendations to people traveling into areas where malaria is
present:
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