Mosquito Mayhem
October 27, 2008
It is common to shudder when we go out into the open and we are unprepared. Our eyes skim the air for any bugs we see, and the slightest feeling of something biting us makes us cringe. It’s all out of fear of coming own with the terrible malaria.
Malaria is typically caused by the bite of a female mosquito – the anopheles. It is untrue that all mosquitos are carriers of malaria. Different kinds of parasites can be injected into the body by the anopheles mosquitos, and the kind of parasite largely determines the kind of malaria that is contracted.
The most common symptoms of malaria are fevers and shivering. The fever fluctuates greatly, and could be high for a while and then drop rapidly. It tends to worsen as the day progresses and is highest towards the evenings. In worse cases, there could also be nausea and vomiting accompanying the fever. Jaundice and anaemia are also symptoms of more serious cases of malaria. The worst kind, falciparum, can also cause kidney or liver failure, come, and sometimes death.
Malaria can recur over time since it weakens the immunity. Those who have naturally low resistance are not only more prone to getting malaria, but are also more likely to suffer recurrences. Exposure to fresh parasites is another cause for recurrences.
Malaria can be treated provided it is brought under control in the earlier stages. If you have any doubt of having malaria, seek medication immediately. Other signs of serious degrees of malaria include internal bleeding, dark urine, persistent vomiting and even severe headaches.
There are ways that one can avoid getting malaria as far as possible. The anopheles strikes mostly from the evenings until dawn, so be most cautioys at these times. Wear long sleeves when out in the open, moreso in the rains. Make sure you have mosquito repellants at home, and keep the house and its surroundings clean. Garbage, dirt and stagnant water make for ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos.
Do what it takes. Go through a little discomfort if you have to, but keep the mosquito away. The aftermath is a lot worse than the sting.
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