How to Identify Malaria

Malaria is a dangerous infectious disease caused by parasites. The malaria parasite is spread through the bite of an infected female mosquito. After feeding on a person infected with malaria, the mosquito develops the parasite and then transmits it to another individual. Malaria is found in over 100 countries worldwide, with 3.4 billion people at high risk. Every year, approximately 300 million people are infected, and one in three million die from it. Children are the most affected due to their weaker immune systems, and malaria is the leading cause of death among children under five years old. The best way to treat malaria is to recognize the symptoms and seek help.

Be aware of malaria symptoms. Malaria has several common symptoms. You may experience some or all of the following symptoms if infected:

• High fever between 38.3 and 40°C
• Chills
• Headache
• Excessive sweating
• Confusion about identity and location
• Disorientation
• Joint/muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice due to blood cell destruction

Identify regions where malaria is commonly found. Some areas of the world experience frequent malaria outbreaks, known as malaria-endemic regions. These include most of Africa, except for the northern and southern parts, parts of North and Central America, India and its surrounding areas, and many Pacific Island nations. Malaria is also present, though less common, in most parts of Asia, Central South America, western Mexico, and much of Central America.

• Although malaria is common in these regions, it is rare in high-altitude or desert areas, except for oases, and in cold climate zones.
• In areas close to the equator with year-round heat, malaria is common, and you can contract the disease at any time of the year.

Wait for symptoms to appear. The incubation period, or the time before symptoms show, usually ranges from 7 to 30 days after being bitten by a mosquito. Some types of malaria parasites can 'hibernate' and remain symptom-free for up to four years after being bitten. The parasite stays in the liver but eventually awakens and invades red blood cells.

Diagnosing malaria. Malaria testing can be done anywhere. Doctors worldwide are familiar with and can recognize the symptoms of the disease. To diagnose malaria, a doctor will take a drop of blood and examine it under a microscope to check for the presence of parasites in red blood cells. This is the most reliable method of diagnosis because the live parasites can be seen in the blood cells.

• This can be complicated if a person has immunity due to previous tropical diseases.
• In Vietnam, which has a tropical climate, doctors are trained in tropical medicine.

Beware of cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria manifests in the final stages. Malaria parasites have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This is one of the most serious complications of malaria. If you develop cerebral malaria, you may experience coma, stroke, unconsciousness, abnormal behavior, and altered sensory perception.

• Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect cerebral malaria.

Increase vigilance. There are several preventive measures you can take, especially in countries where malaria is common. When outdoors or sleeping outside, it is advisable to use mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes from attacking you. Additionally, you should clear or avoid stagnant water, as it is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you plan to stay outside without net protection, using mosquito repellent is also recommended.

Use preventive medication. If you're planning to travel to countries where malaria is prevalent, you should visit a doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip. The doctor will prescribe malaria prevention medication to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

• The medication should be taken before, during, and after your trip.

Malaria treatment. The most crucial aspect of treating malaria is early detection. You should consult a doctor for diagnosis within 24 to 72 hours of suspecting infection or when symptoms appear. A variety of medications can be used, typically for at least 7 days. However, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and which parts of the body are affected. All malaria medications are safe for children. Some medications doctors may prescribe include:

• Mefloquine
• Atovaquone-proguanil
• Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
• Quinine
• Clindamycin
• Doxycycline
• Chloroquine
• Primaquine
• Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (although the effectiveness of this drug is still unconfirmed)

Seek immediate medical care. Doctors in Vietnam are well-versed in malaria, so it's important to know when to seek medical attention. If you have recently returned from abroad and have a fever for any reason, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor of your travel destination and that you suspect malaria so they can begin timely treatment.

• A delayed diagnosis can be fatal. 60% of diagnoses are made too late, often due to confusion with other diseases. To prevent this, provide information about where you’ve traveled in the past year or two.
• If diagnosed with malaria, you will need to be hospitalized to receive the appropriate antibiotic treatment.