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Malaria: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Introduction

Malaria remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The prevalence of malaria among students is a significant concern, which decreases overall well-being of students thereby affecting their academic performance and productivity.

Causes and Risk Factors of Malaria among Students

The primary cause of malaria is the Plasmodium parasite, with Plasmodium falciparum being the deadliest strain. The parasite enters the human bloodstream through mosquito bites and travels to the liver, where it multiplies before infecting red blood cells.

Several factors increase the risk of contracting malaria, including:

1. Living, studying or reading in highly exposed areas can increase students' risk of contracting malaria.

2. Poor sanitation and stagnant water sources, which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

3. Weakened immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to severe infection.

4. Lack of access to preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial medications.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Malaria symptoms usually appear within 10 to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite. Common symptoms include:

1. High fever and chills

2. Profuse sweating

3. Severe headache

4. Muscle and joint pain

5. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

6. Fatigue and weakness

If left untreated, malaria can lead to complications such as anemia, organ failure, or even death. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests that detect the presence of Plasmodium parasites. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can also be used to detect the presence of Plasmodium parasites.

Treatment and Management

The treatment of malaria depends on the severity of the infection and the specific Plasmodium species involved. Antimalarial drugs such as Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the standard treatment for uncomplicated malaria. In severe cases, intravenous or intramuscular medications like artesunate are administered in hospital settings. Apart from medications, proper hydration, fever management, and supportive care are essential in managing symptoms and preventing complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing mortality rates.

Prevention and Lifestyle Management

Preventing malaria requires a combination of personal protection and community-wide efforts. Effective strategies include:

1. Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to reduce mosquito bites.

2. Using mosquito repellents, creams or spray and wearing protective clothing, especially when going for TDB reading.

3. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by draining stagnant water and maintaining clean surroundings.

4. Taking prophylactic antimalarial drugs when traveling to high-risk areas.

5. Strengthening public health initiatives to provide vaccines, medications, and education on malaria prevention.

Conclusion

As students, it's essential to recognize the threat malaria poses, especially when living or reading in endemic areas. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community.

Postscript: As part of the HVC's concern for your well-being, we would love to have your Jaja Number on record for easy retrieval — whether in emergencies or when you need it urgently.

Please submit your Jaja Number via the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO1VARa-hIAyJpQrJiw1HjxQ2Z_MYsrEEvvyxdt-jvXXvtYw/viewform?usp=dialog

This is a publication of the Hospital Visitation Committee (HVC) of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI).