QUESTION I have Pv malaria repeated 2 times in two month then doctor give arthemether, lumefantrine tablet for three days twice in a day and primaquine tablet for 14 days..after this treatment malaria show positive on rapid test by a faint line....what is this? ANSWER It sounds like your doctor has treated you appropriately. What the line on the rapid test means depends a bit on the type … [Read more...]
Dosage of Lumartem
QUESTION I am on lumartem treatment, and was told to take four[4] tablets at a time twice a day; but I see on leaflet two[2] tablet twice a day.....will it cause me any harm? ANSWER The dosage for Lumartem is by weight. For people weighing over 35 kg (77 pounds) the dosage is 4 tablets twice a day as you were prescribed. … [Read more...]
Effects of Malaria on Brain
QUESTION Can malaria or the fever of malaria (or the medication) cause a teen to become depressed and suicidal 18 months on. ANSWER That is unlikely. Malaria, when treated, usually resolves completely, without any lingering effects. In some cases, people with severe cerebral malaria can have lasting neurological impacts, such as altered behaviour and difficulties with learning. Some … [Read more...]
Is Malaria Transmitted by Female Mosquitoes?
QUESTION Is malaria caused by only female mosquitoes? ANSWER Malaria is only transmitted by female mosquitoes, yes. This is because only female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles (the genus that transmits malaria in mammals, including humans) feed on blood, and the parasite that causes malaria (called Plasmodium) spends part of its life cycle in the blood. Therefore, when a female mosquito … [Read more...]
Vivax or Falciparum Malaria?
QUESTION: I live in Pucallpa, Peru. I recently went on a trip to a remote jungle location in amazon jungle of Peru, and now I have malaria, but I’m not sure if it’s Vivax or falciparum. How could I know the difference? It seems like vivax is more common here in the jungle region of Peru, or am I wrong? Also, if it is Vivax, is Chloroquine with primaquine the best thing to take? I heard vivax is … [Read more...]
Malaria Host Range
QUESTION What is a malaria host range? ANSWER Usually, a malaria host range refers to the natural geographical range of one of the hosts of a particular species of malaria. So, for example, Plasmodium reichenowi normally only infects chimpanzees. Chimpanzees live mainly in central and western Africa, so this would determine the host range for P. reichenowi. Other species of malaria, such … [Read more...]
Malaria or Flu?
QUESTION For the last couple of days I am suffering from all the symptoms that are mentioned on your website and I am taking tylenol for these symptoms thinking that it is flu but I am feeling better now. Should I still see a doctor or keep taking tylenol? ANSWER If you are no longer experiencing high fever, then it is likely just flu. However if you live in a malarial area and your … [Read more...]
Areas Where Malaria Occurs
QUESTION Can you please tell me the high, low and no risk areas for malaria. ANSWER Malaria requires certain climatic conditions, both for its own development as well as for the survival of its vector mosquitoes. As such, malaria transmission is concentrated in lowland areas of the tropics, where there is sufficient freshwater for mosquito breeding. However, malaria can also seasonably be … [Read more...]
Malaria and Stomach Ache
QUESTION Can a person suffering from malaria suffer from stomach-aches? ANSWER Sometimes people with malaria have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but the most common symptoms include fever and flu-like illness, such as shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood … [Read more...]
Malaria and Menstrual Cycle
QUESTION Does malaria affect menstrual cycle? ANSWER Malaria usually does not last very long—people usually seek diagnosis and treatment within a few days (since symptoms can be severe) and then treatment and recovery follow swiftly, within another few days (100% recovery may take longer, up to a few weeks). Moreover, malaria does not usually interfere with reproductive organs or … [Read more...]