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Malaria
What is Malaria?
Malaria is an illness caused by infection of the red blood cells with the parasite Plasmodium. There are four types (species) of Plasmodium that can infect humans, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale. Each causes slightly different symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious and may be life-threatening if not treated quickly. P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae require a second medication after primary treatment to prevent relapses.
Who gets Malaria?
Nearly anyone can get malaria, however there are certain genetic traits that do provide some protection from malaria. Most black Africans show a natural resistance to infection with Plasmodium vivax due to the absence of a specific factor on the surface of their red blood cells. Persons with sickle cell trait also have resistance to Plasmodium falciparum and are relatively protected from severe illness.
How is Malaria spread?
Malaria is spread through the bite of certain species of mosquitoes, but only if they are infected with malaria. Capable species of mosquitoes pick up the malaria infection by biting a human who is ill with malaria. New Jersey has one species of mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) which is capable of carrying malaria, but mosquito control efforts, and prompt treatment of human cases of malaria have eradicated malaria from the mosquito populations in the United States. Until shortly after World War II, malaria did occur regularly in the United States. Today, virtually all cases of malaria which are diagnosed in the United States are a result of travel to parts of the world where mosquitoes are still infected and where malaria transmission still occurs.
What are the symptoms of Malaria?
The most prominent symptoms of Malaria are a series of high fevers, followed by shaking chills. Headache, nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating also are usually present. An interval free of symptoms follows, lasting one, two or three days, before the series of fever and chills begins again. This may continue for a week to a month or longer. Relapses may occur at irregular intervals for up to 5 years (P. vivax and P. ovale) or 50 years (P. malariae) if not treated properly. Persons who are partially immune, or who have been taking preventive medication may have atypical symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum may cause more serious symptoms, including shock, kidney and liver failure, coma, and death.
How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms usually occur within 1 to 2 weeks after the bite of an infected mosquito, but may be delayed for up to 6 to 12 months with P. vivax.
How is Malaria diagnosed?
Malaria is diagnosed by identifying the parasites in the red blood cells under a microscope.
Can Malaria be treated?
Yes, Malaria can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics. Malaria in some parts of the world has become resistant to the most frequently used antibiotic, Chloroquine. Individuals who have become ill with malaria after travel to those countries should be treated initially with another drug. P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae require a second medication after primary treatment to prevent relapses.
How long is an infected person infectious to others?
An individual infected with malaria is not directly infectious to other individuals except through sharing of blood contaminated needles. Untreated individuals, if bitten by malaria-capable mosquitoes, could infect a small number of mosquitoes. These could transmit malaria if they subsequently bite another human 1 to 4 weeks later, depending upon environmental conditions.
I'm traveling to a tropical country where Malaria is present. What should I do?
There are antibiotics (also called chemoprophylaxis) which can be taken to prevent malaria. Which ones you should take depend upon where you're traveling (some countries have malaria which is resistant to some medications) and any personal health conditions you might have (such as known allergies or pregnancy). Your doctor, in consultation with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) travel advisories or with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (609-588-7500), can make a recommendation specific for you. You should consult your doctor at least two weeks before beginning your trip so that you have enough time for the preventive medication to become effective.
In addition to preventive medication, you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This includes sleeping in areas screened from mosquitoes, wearing long sleeves and pants during dusk to dawn when the mosquitoes are active, and using mosquito repellents and insecticides.
Is there a vaccine to prevent Malaria?
There is no vaccine which can prevent malaria, there are only the preventive medications described above.
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