Malaria is one of the vectors borne infectious diseases. It is transmitted by the protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Human beings are infected through mosquito bites. It is the female mosquito which transmits malaria. The incubation period for malaria is about 10-21 days though it might take longer in some cases. Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the world especially in the developing nations where most of the deaths are reported in young children.

The disease is widely spread in the subtropical and the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. It is estimated that about 300-500 million people are affected by malaria annually. The symptoms of malaria include fever headaches, chills, muscle weakness and aches, anemia, coughing, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Under severe cases, internal bleeding, liver, and kidney failure could result in coma and even death.

Early treatment is necessary to avoid complications or death. It could be fatal if not treated. Antimalarial drugs are used in the treatment of this disease although there is increasing resistance from some of the malaria strains. The treatment offered is dependent on the parasite’s resistance to the drug, the disease condition (severity) and the strain or type of malaria.

Use of drugs to prevent malaria

The various anti-malarial drugs are prescribed for use by those people who might be travelling to those regions prone to malaria. You should consult a medical professional to start the treatment in advance before your departure. You should start …

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