Symptoms and Causes of Malaria

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An Overview of Malaria

Introduction

The Mayo Clinic staff defines malaria as an infectious and microbial disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by the bite of a female infected Anopheles mosquito (1). These species consist of ovale, falciparum, vax, malaria as well as knowlesi. Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly and dangerous species among the five. The incumbent disease yields repeated attacks of chills and fever and accounts for the annual worldwide death of approximately 660,000 people. Although malaria is uncommon in temperate climates, its prevalence is high in tropical and subtropical countries. Currently, scientists are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine for preventing the disease (Mayo Clinic staff, 2). This paper discusses the dynamics of malaria concerning the information provided by the Mayo Clinic staff.  

Symptoms and Causes of Malaria

Infection with malaria is usually attributed to repeated attacks with a moderate to severe chills, sweating, and high fever. Additional signs and symptoms entail vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. These symptoms begin within a few days after an infected female anopheles mosquito bite, although some species can remain dormant in the body for approximately one year.

The Transmission Cycle

According to Mayo Clinic, the cycle begins when an uninfected mosquito feeds on the blood of a malaria-infected person and transmits the parasite to the next person during the next blood meal (3). The parasite travels to the liver where they mature and leave to infect the red blood cells. Malaria symptoms appear during this stage and a bite of another uninfected transfer the parasite to the next person to mark the cycle complete. Alternative transmission modes include exposure to the infected blood from mother to unborn child, via blood transfusions and sharing of needles used to inject drugs.