QUESTION: Why are platelets low in malaria infections? Why is there no internal bleeding in malaria? ANSWER: Platelets are low especially with P. falciparum infections, but also potentially with high-burden P. vivax infections. This is probably from sequestration in blood vessels and spleen. Actually, there is life threatening bleeding associated with severe cerebral malaria from this … [Read more...]
Malaria on Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea
QUESTION: Is there malaria on Bougainville Island? ANSWER: Yes, Bougainville Island (an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea) is considered a malaria transmission zone, and precautions against malaria are advised when visiting. These include sleeping under an insecticide treated bednet, wearing long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent in the evenings and talking with your doctor about … [Read more...]
Diagnostic test for malaria?
QUESTION: What are the possible diagnoses tests? ANSWER: A blood test is usually required to diagnose malaria, although the blood can be used in a number of different ways. The most common, traditional form of diagnosis is a blood smear, observed under a microscope by a qualified technician. These can be "thick" or "thin"; the "thick" smear examines a whole drop of blood for the presence … [Read more...]
Do male anopheles mosquitoes bite?
QUESTION: Do male anopheles mosquitoes bite? ANSWER: No. Only the females require blood meals, and so only they transmit malaria. Males usually feed on nectar. … [Read more...]
Malaria Re-occurrence
QUESTION: I've been infected with malaria vivax, for this i've taken the treatment for three days, after three days i don't have any symptoms but after two days again I'm feeling the fever and abdominal pain which i'm having since the diagnosis is still persisting. Why is it happening? Are there any chances even after treatment for re-occurrence? My urine is yellow color but there is no … [Read more...]
Four high risk areas for malaria in South Africa
QUESTION: List four areas in South Africa that are considered high risk for malaria. ANSWER: The far north east of the country is the only region considered a high transmission zone for malaria. This includes places such as the Maputoland coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Kruger National Park (and Nelspruit), most of the border region with Swaziland and the lowveld of Mpumalanga. Regions buffering … [Read more...]
Full recovery from malaria?
QUESTION: Does a person get over malaria? ANSWER: The majority of malaria cases are uncomplicated, and if diagnosed and treated early enough and correctly, the patient has every chance of making a full recovery from the infection. However, if treatment is delayed, or inappropriate treatment given, the infection can develop into more severe disease. Again, the chances of recovery are high … [Read more...]
Malaria Trend and Forecast
QUESTION: What is the trend of malaria infection and its forecasted figure? … [Read more...]
Malaria Statistics for Rwanda
QUESTION: What are the malaria statistics in Rwanda? ANSWER: The following statistics are taken from the World Health Organisation (www.who.org): Approximately 90% of Rwandans are at risk of malaria. Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Rwanda responsible for up to 50% of all outpatient visits. In 2005, Rwanda reported 991 612 malaria cases. In 2006, … [Read more...]
Characteristics of Adult Mosquitoes
QUESTION: What are the characteristics of adult anophelines and culicines? ANSWER: I am assuming your question relates to how adult anopheline and culicine mosquitoes can be differentiated from each other. There are a number of main characters that can be used for identification to genus level, namely in the resting position of the body (and the resultant angle of the proboscis to the … [Read more...]