QUESTION Our 2 year old son was exposed and bitten about 10 times on Friday, 21st of Ocober in Malindi, Kenya. This was our last day in Kenya after 3 days on the coast preceded by 4 in Masai Mara. On October 28, our son started vomiting. This lasted a day. He did not have a fever at the time. The doctor diagnosed him with rota virus. Our 2 year old took his last dose of Malarone on the same day … [Read more...]
Teen Has Anaemia, Mom Had Malaria
QUESTION I am concerned that my 22 yr old daughter has anaemia (tired & sleepy), possibly caused by Malaria (Katima Mulilo, Namibia), which I contracted just before returning to Cape Town. I fell pregnant at that time. I was treated at the local hospital before returning home. Could it have affected the unborn fetus? My daughter has a low red blood count. ANSWER Congenital malaria … [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...]
Post Malaria Symptoms
QUESTION My girlfriend had malaria in Uganda. It was detected 2nd of October, it was mild form, she felt dizzy, temperature was little higher. She got Artefan, forth day she was in hospital for review, they told her from blood test that its not malaria anymore. We came home (Slovakia) but week ago she had suddenly the same symptoms like she had had the first time—dizziness, pain in … [Read more...]
Meaning of DDR
QUESTION what's the meaning of DDR? ANSWER Within the context of malaria and health more generally, "DDR" often refers to "Drug Development Research," meaning investigation of new anti-malarial compounds, both for malaria prevention (prophylaxis) and treatment. However, in some health contexts (for example recreational drugs) it can also mean "Drug Demand Reduction," which is very … [Read more...]
Recurrent Malaria
QUESTION Malaria has been with me since the late 1980's after 6 years in Malawi. During the 90's I had it twice per year in Feb and Sept. Blood tests always came up negative. Treatment was with Chloroquine, later Halafantrin and then Co Artem. 2 or 3 treatments were required as symptoms appeared 2 weeks after completion of initial treatment. In 2004 I treated with a bodyweight specific dose … [Read more...]
Injections for Malaria Treatment?
QUESTION I have a friend that just told me that she has Malaria. She said she has to go to the hospital every day for an injection for around the next 2 weeks. Is this a typical treatment. Why not just take pills? I`m just trying to wrap my head around this and understand the different treatments. ANSWER This is certainly not typical treatment for malaria. Uncomplicated malaria is usually … [Read more...]
Causes of Malaria
QUESTION What causes malaria? ANSWER Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have … [Read more...]
Discovery of Cinchona
QUESTION Cinchona was discovered in which country? ANSWER "Cinchona" refers to a genus of trees which are known for having strong alkaloid compounds in their bark, and notably one which has anti-malarial properties. This particular alkaloid is now known as "quinine." Cinchona trees are native to South America, and were long used by native people to treat fevers—as such, it is perhaps … [Read more...]
Is Malaria Fatal?
QUESTION Can you die from malaria? ANSWER Yes. If left untreated, certain types of malaria in particular can cause severe complications, and can even lead to death. Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous form of malaria and is responsible for 90% of the approximately 700,000 annual deaths caused by malaria. However, P. vivax infections can also be very serious, and more recently, … [Read more...]