Some diseases have become more prominent and ubiquitous as a result of the present Nigerian weather and climate. One of which is Malaria.
Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. If it isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly, it can be fatal, a single mosquito bite is all it takes for someone to become infected.
What causes malaria?
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
There are 5 different types of Plasmodium parasite that cause malaria in humans. They are found in different parts of the world (but do overlap in certain areas) and vary in terms of how severe the infection can be.
All malaria infections cause the same symptoms and require immediate medical attention. It’s not possible to find out which type of malaria you have from symptoms alone.
Types of malaria parasite
- Plasmodium falciparum – mainly found in Africa, it’s the most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths worldwide, though treatment does cure the infection.
- Plasmodium vivax – mainly found in Asia and South America, this parasite causes milder symptoms but it can stay in the liver for years which can result in symptoms reoccurring if it isn’t treated properly.
- Plasmodium ovale – fairly uncommon and usually found in West Africa.
- Plasmodium malariae – this is quite rare and usually only found in Africa.
- Plasmodium knowlesi – this is very rare and found in parts of southeast Asia.
to be continued…
