Hello, dear friends.

This is Dr. Charles from PHI Preventive Health Institute, where we share practical health information to help you and your family stay healthy.

Many people believe malaria is caused by the hot sun, dirty water, or certain foods. However, that is not true.

What Really Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite called Plasmodium. This parasite is spread through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

When an infected mosquito bites a person, it releases the parasite into the bloodstream. The parasite then travels to the liver, where it multiplies before entering and destroying red blood cells. This process causes the symptoms of malaria.

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite and may include:

? High fever

? Chills and sweating

? Headache

? Body and joint pains

? Nausea or vomiting

? Loss of appetite

? General weakness and tiredness

In severe cases, malaria can cause:

?? Confusion

?? Convulsions (fits)

?? Coma

?? Severe anemia

?? Death if treatment is delayed

Children under five years of age and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

How Can You Prevent Malaria?

The best way to fight malaria is to prevent mosquito bites.

? Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night.

? Clear stagnant water around your home where mosquitoes breed.

? Keep your surroundings clean.

? Use mosquito repellents and insecticide sprays when necessary.

? Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, especially in the evening.

What Should You Do If You Have a Fever?

Do not assume every fever is malaria.

If you develop fever, chills, headache, or body pains:

?? Visit a healthcare facility.

?? Get tested immediately.

?? Start treatment only after proper diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.

Treatment

Malaria can be cured when detected early.

The most effective treatment is Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), which works quickly to eliminate the parasite and reduce the risk of drug resistance.

Always take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Final Message

Malaria is dangerous, but it is also preventable, treatable, and curable.

Together, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Remember: One mosquito bite can cause malaria, but one simple preventive step can save a life.

PHI Preventive Health Institute

? Call/WhatsApp: +233 208 720 347

Disclaimer & Credit:All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.