Malaria Causes

How does malaria get transported?
( 7 Jun 2007)

Even though malaria is caused when the mosquito anopheles bites someone, the disease is contagious and can be passed on from one infected person to the other. Since the malaria parasite plasmodium falciparum is found in the red blood cells, it can be transmitted through blood transfusion, sharing needles with an infected person, and using a syringe contaminated with blood of an infected person. Other than these, malaria can also be passed on through an organ transplant between an infected person and a normal person.

If a woman suffers from malaria when she is pregnant, she can also pass on the disease to the baby. These are the ways in which malaria is transported. However, the infection cannot be spread by casual contacts and viral infections like cold and flu.

Unhygienic conditions like stagnant water and drains are a breeding ground for the mosquito anopheles. So, it’s very important to keep one’s surrounding free of any mess or accumulated water. It’s also believed that bad lifestyle and excessive intake of meats, tinned foods, and alcoholic beverages make our system run down exposing one to the development of malaria. It’s very important to prevent and treat malaria as soon as it has been detected, as it can cause serious health problems like seizure, coma, kidney failure, and even death of the sufferer. Tropical and subtropical regions are at a very high risk of being afflicted by malaria. The mosquito anopheles does not survive in cold climate. It’s not just the affliction of malaria that is dangerous. There is a possibility of the infection relapsing, as the parasite exists in a dormant phase in the liver up to four years.

It’s very important for the sufferer to get adequate rest and medical care to treat malaria. Other than medical attention, malaria can be treated through some home remedies as well. Cinnamon is known to be very valuable in treating malaria. Taking a decoction of cinnamon, lime and honey can prevent dehydration of the body. Another way of consuming cinnamon is mixing one teaspoon of coarsely powdered cinnamon in a glass of boiled water with a pinch of pepper powder and honey each. Holy basil is also beneficial in preventing malaria and also keeping the severity of the disease in check. Take a few basil leaves on a daily basis to keep malaria at bay. One can also take the juice of eleven grams of basil leaves and mix it with three grams powdered black pepper.

answered by G M on 24 Mar 2010, 2:05:11

Malaria is a disease caused by a particular type of mosquitoes known as anopheles mosquitoes. This type of mosquitoes spreads the disease. Malaria is a type of contagious disease and is a cause for worry particularly in the tropical and sub tropical regions. Such mosquitoes do not naturally survive in colder climates. Malaria can be prevented with the help of mosquito deterrent nets, coils, mosquito repellants, anti-malarial medications and insecticides.

The symptoms of malaria are high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and illness similar to flu. Illness from malaria can be treated and prevented. Infection due to a malaria parasite known as plasmodium falciparum can cause seizures, kidney failure, coma, mental derangement and death. Malaria is a potentially fatal disease and malaria if untreated or undetected can lead to the death of the victim. Africa is perhaps one of the most affected regions that experiences deaths due to malaria. Statistics indicate a child dies every thirty seconds due to malaria in Africa.

The anopheles mosquito transmits blood from one infected person to another. As the malaria parasite is found in the red blood cells due to the injected infection the disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, shared use of needles, syringes contaminated with blood, organ transplants and from a mother to a child in the womb or after delivery. This is how the disease becomes contagious in nature. Relapsing malaria is also a possibility as the parasite survives in a dormant phase in the liver up to four years. It is important to note that malaria is not contagious as in a cold or flu and cannot be transmitted due to casual contact. The symptoms of malaria can rear its ugly head in a time range of ten days to four weeks. People who live in or travel to countries that face mosquito infestation and have incidences of malaria transmission are at a greater risk of contracting this disease. People living in rural areas with low access to medical aid, limited finances and lack of knowledge are also susceptible to the fatal impact of this disease.

Appropriate medical care and rest is required to treat malaria. Try home remedies such as juice diets and decoctions of cinnamon, lime and honey to keep the body hydrated. Stay away from unhealthy, oily and spicy foods and carbonated beverages until the body recovers fully. Include fresh fruits and salads and focus on eating raw foods instead of cooked and fried foods. Indulge in mild relaxation techniques to energize the mind and body.

answered by M W on 30 Apr 2009, 5:17:13

Malaria is transported to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. You can read more about this disease on the following website:

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en/

Dr. Karen Benton, Naturopathic Physician

answered by Dr K B N on 7 Jun 2007, 8:22:06

Malaria Causes

How does malaria get transported? ( 7 Jun 2007)

How does malaria get transported?
( 7 Jun 2007)