Question: Up to the age of 20 I lived in Malaysia Singapore and North Borneo - born 1953. Is is possible that during that time I contracted either malaria or dengue and because it was never treated it is still in my system. Answer: While there is some evidence of long term clinical symptoms associated with dengue infection, I have not heard of a case that would have persisted across multiple … [Read more...]
Rash and Malaria
QUESTION Is random rash-like swelling on parts of your body coupled with back pains and joint aches and cold sweats all malaria symptom? If so, what is the parasite type and the cure? ANSWER Rashes are not usually associated with malaria infection; the symptoms you describe are however consistent with several other infections, some of which can be quite serious, such as dengue fever. You … [Read more...]
Mosquito Types
QUESTION How many types of mosquito are there? ANSWER There are over 3,500 species of mosquito! However, most of these do not transmit any diseases to humans. Mosquitoes are usually divided into two sub-families, the Anophelinae and the Culicinae. The latter group consists of about 40 genera, including Culex and Aedes, which contain some species that transmit diseases to humans (such as … [Read more...]
Malaria After Doxycycline?
QUESTION I recently spent a month in Asia. I took doxycycline tablets for malaria. I took them for the month I was away and when I returned. I took the full course and had been fine. Within two days of completing the course I became ill. This has be going on for about a month now with severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, very tired all the time and feeling like I'm going to faint. I have been … [Read more...]
Malaria with Eye Pain
QUESTION I am having malaria with severe eye pains. What is this? ANSWER Have you actually been diagnosed with malaria, or do you just think you have malaria based on the symptoms? If the latter, I would suggest you visit the doctor immediately. Eye pain is not usually associated with malaria (beyond the fact that some headaches manifest behind the eyes), whereas eye pain is a common … [Read more...]
Dengue Fever
QUESTION: Hello, I work with an NGO . We work in the rural areas. Please give me idea about dengue. Thnx ANSWER: Hi there, I'm afraid that I can't really help you without knowing where you are located! Also, this forum is generally dedicated to questions about malaria, and so maybe I could recommend you look at the World Health Organisation pages regarding dengue fever for more … [Read more...]
Scientists Target Mosquito-Borne Illness
Of all the disease-spreading insects in the world, the mosquito poses the greatest menace, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As if to underscore that threat, two mosquito-borne viral diseases have begun to spread well beyond their points of origin. One is dengue fever, a potentially deadly illness, and the other is chikungunya, a debilitating and painful disease from which … [Read more...]
Having Malaria after being tested negative
QUESTION: In April 2010 I was in India, had symptoms of malaria, had blood work done, platelets low but rapid antigen and smear were negative. One year later, May 2011, had low platelet count, chills, no fever or fever spikes. Could this be malaria again even though I was tested negative. ANSWER: This response is courtesy of Dr Jaya Swarup Mohanty, a physician in India: Malaria doesn't … [Read more...]