Beware: Malaria season is upon us
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite (plasmodium falciparum) spread to humans through the bites of a female anopheles mosquito.In our setting, malaria is more prevalent during the rainy season between January and April, particularly because the northern part of our country receives a lot of flood water this time.
Geographically, we often see many malaria cases emanating from the far north and north-eastern parts of Namibia, namely Zambezi, Kavango West and East, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto and part of Kunene regions.
Young children and infants, older adults, pregnant women and their unborn children, and travellers coming from areas with no malaria are often at an increased risk of contracting malaria.
Individuals infected with malaria often present with fever, chills and generalized discomfort. They also experience headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, rapid breathing (tachypnoea) and rapid heart rate (tachycardia), as well as, a cough have also been reported in people with malaria.
To ascertain the presence of malaria one needs to take a good medical history including travel history to said regions, as a pointer to the index of suspicion. A good systemic physical examination of both body systems is highly recommended. Taking blood and sending it off for a malaria smear at the laboratory is the gold standard.
Treatment
The treatment approach is informed by various factors such as the severity of the disease, age and whether the patient in question is pregnant or not. With that said, antimalarial medication can be issued and if the patient is very ill, they are often treated as an inpatient (admitted and managed in the hospital setting).
Often patients are at an increased risk of developing cerebral malaria i.e. the parasite spreads to the brain, resulting in seizures and comas. The parasite can spread to the kidneys and liver, resulting in kidney and liver failure. If the spleen becomes infested with the parasite, it can result in splenic rupture and if not managed promptly, the patient can exsanguinate and die.
Anaemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) have also been seen as a complication in malaria patients.
Finally, if one lives in malaria-prone areas or often travels to said areas, particularly between January and April, it is always best to take precautionary measures such as covering your skin (wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts), especially at night, applying insect repellent to the skin or spraying it on the clothes, bed sheets and curtains, as well as sleeping under a mosquito net or burning of the mosquito coils.
It is also advisable to consider the use of malaria prophylactic medications. One can approach any health facility or talk to your doctor about the use of prophylactic medication.
We caution residents to look out for these symptoms and signs to prevent malaria. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, contact your general practitioner immediately to get the necessary attention.