Malaria

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Other Ways to Contract Malaria

A person can contract Malaria in ways other than being bitten by a mosquito:

• An infected mother may transmit Malaria to the fetus.
• Blood transfusions from an infected person.
• Sharing needles with an infected person.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear within weeks of exposure to a mosquito bite, and the period may extend to about a month. Symptoms include:

• High body temperature and shivering.
• Heavy sweating.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

Prevention of Malaria

• Control of mosquitoes.
• Wearing long-sleeved clothes and covering the legs, especially in places where insects are common, in addition to using insect repellent creams.
• Putting mesh nets on doors and windows to prevent the entry of insects.
• Avoid traveling to places where Malaria is common as much as possible.
• Ensure taking Malaria preventive medicines in case of traveling to Malaria-endemic areas two weeks before traveling.