Antimalarial Treatment

Malaria is a severe infection from the Plasmodium parasite. It spreads through mosquito bites.

It’s common in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms can worsen fast and if not treated promptly, it can be deadly.

• High temperature, feeling feverish (hot/clammy/shivery)
• Headaches
• Vomiting, diarrhea, tummy pains
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Confusion

Symptoms usually arise between one to eight weeks after a mosquito bite, but in some cases, they can appear up to a year later.

If you suspect you have malaria, it’s crucial to get immediate medical help, no matter where you are.

If you’ve been to a malaria-prone region in the past year, you might still be at risk, even if you’ve taken anti-malaria medicine.

Typically, doctors diagnose it based on your medical history and a blood test.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially after sunset:

• Wear long-sleeved clothes and pants if you’re out at night.
• Spray clothes with insecticide (like Permethrin), but don’t spray it on your skin.
• Use room sprays, burn pyrethroid coils, or heat insecticide-coated tablets to keep mosquitoes away, especially near bedside furniture.
• Apply insect repellent, preferably one with DEET, on exposed skin.
• If there are no screens, keep windows closed.
• Sleep under a mosquito net – a tip: spray insecticide on the net for extra protection.