Mosquito as a vector of malaria

DDT even though restricted is still used in Mexico to control malaria. The National Institute of Public Health of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico concluded from a study that the use of DDT has been linked to breast cancer in Mexico. In another chemistry study done by the University of Michigan, it was found that chemical factory workers that made DDT also had a high risk of pancreatic cancer from the overexposure of DDT. Unfortunately, DDT is still being manufactured and used in tropical areas for malaria control.

Malaria is an infectious blood disease caused by the bite of
the female Anopheles mosquito that injects parasites into the
bloodstream. This disease is reported to afflict 350-500
million people each year and causes over one million deaths.
Malaria causes a high fever, joint pain, shivering, vomiting
and anemia. If left untreated, it can result in severe medical
complications or even death. Unfortunately, there are no
vaccines against malaria though they are being researched and
developed for testing.

The best treatment for malaria is to prevent it. Some countries
have a higher risk of infection than others. There is no risk of
malaria in North America and Western Europe. All other areas
have varying degrees of risk. If traveling to a high risk area,
it is advisable to seek consultation with a physician for
preventative medications. It is also recommended that insect
repellants and mosquito netting be used to reduce exposure
risk. Because the mosquito has a high rate of reproduction and
can become immune to medications quickly, seek a physician’s
advice before using any oral medications.

Treating malaria is much more effective when diagnosis occurs
early. Treatment in the early stages is much less invasive and
generally has milder reactions. If caught early, treatment can
generally be accomplished at home under the supervision of a
physician. Only in severe cases or cases where diagnosis did
not occur fast enough will hospitalization be required. If
traveling to a high risk country, be aware of the warning signs
and get examined immediately.

Minor cases of malaria are generally treated with oral
medications. It is also very important to ensure continual
fluid intake so the body does not get dehydrated. Quinine
sulphate, along with doxycycline, is taken orally for one week.
There can be short term uncomfortable effects of this drug but
its proven effectiveness in treating malaria is worth the
temporary discomfort. Malarone is a combination drug that is
effective but very expensive and there have been reported cases
of resistance to this treatment.

More severe cases of malaria will require hospitalization for
treatment. Constant supervision by a physician is needed to
ensure correct dosage and to monitor body responses. Quinine is
typically the medication provided for treatment. Medications are
administered intravenously in small doses because quinine taken
in too large a dose can cause complications or death.

Malaria is a very serious disease that is often mistaken for
the flu. If travelling to high risk areas or if you have
recently returned from travelling, please seek medical
attention immediately if you have flu-like symptoms. Inform the
physician that you have a risk of exposure to malaria.
Prevention and early detection are the keys to making certain
malaria is treated and cured.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
MalariaHelp. To learn more about malaria prevention, visit
http://www.malariahelp.com/ and
http://www.malariahelp.com/malariaprevention/

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