Must-know Facts about Malaria for Monsoon

Malaria cases increase manifolds during monsoon season because of the warmer temperature and humid climate. Here are 7 facts you must know about malaria ahead of the monsoon season.

Mind Body By : Himanshu Sharma , Onlymyhealth Editorial Team / Date : Jul 04, 2014

Malaria and Monsoon

Malaria is a life-threatening infection that gets transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria cases increase manifolds during monsoon season because of the warmer temperature and humid climate.

The Numbers – Half of the World at Risk

According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.4 billion people around the world are at risk of malaria. In 2012, malaria contributed to an estimated 627 000 deaths worldwide. Those living in the developing and underdeveloped countries are the most vulnerable to malaria compared with the rest of the world.

Malaria is Preventable and Treatable

The mosquito-borne illness is preventable and treatable. The scale-up of interventions and awareness of the disease has helped one to reduce malaria incidence rates substantially across the globe. WHO currently recommends chloroquine for the treatment of P. vivax malaria.

The Parasite behind Malaria

Plasmodium parasites that are spread to people through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquito vectors causes malaria. Of the parasite species that cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum is the most fatal.

The Mortality Trends

Over the years, malaria mortality rates have fallen dramatically owing to the increased malaria prevention and control measures. The WHO statistics suggest that malaria mortality rates have fallen by 42 per cent globally since 2000.

Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment is Key

If malaria is diagnosed early and treatment is prompt, the risk of malaria transmission decreases, which keeps the disease from advancing. Access to diagnostic testing and treatment has improved malaria control significantly in the recent years.

Indoor Residual Spraying

Indoor residual spraying, particularly during monsoons, is the most effective way to reduce malaria transmission. Spraying with insecticides kills the mosquito vector and offers protection against the disease for up to 5 months.

Expecting Women at Greater Risk

Pregnant women are particularly at risk of malaria. There can be serious complications such as spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and severe maternal anaemia if a woman gets infected. Malaria during pregnancy may also lead to low-birth-weight baby.

Disclaimer

All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.

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