Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Malaria

April 25th marks World Malaria Day, a time to raise awareness about this preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually. At Sparkport Pharmacy, we’re committed to educating our community about malaria and supporting global efforts to combat it.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite being preventable and curable, malaria remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

How Malaria is Contracted

Unlike many diseases, malaria isn’t contagious between people through casual contact. The primary way people contract malaria is through:

  • Mosquito bites: When an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person, it can transmit the malaria parasite into their bloodstream.
  • Mother-to-child transmission: In rare cases, pregnant women can pass malaria to their unborn children.
  • Blood transfusions: Though uncommon in areas with strict screening protocols, malaria can be transmitted through infected blood.
  • Shared needles: Using contaminated needles can transmit the parasite between individuals.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Malaria symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after an infected mosquito bite. The disease often presents as a flu-like illness with:

  • High fever with chills and sweating that may come in cycles
  • Headache and body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • In severe cases: seizures, confusion, difficulty breathing, or severe anemia

Prompt recognition of symptoms is crucial, as untreated malaria can progress rapidly to severe illness and death, particularly in children and pregnant women.

Effective Treatment Options

The good news is that malaria is treatable when diagnosed early. Treatment depends on several factors, including:

  • The type of malaria parasite
  • The severity of symptoms
  • Patient’s age and pregnancy status
  • Local drug resistance patterns

Common antimalarial medications include:

  • Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
  • Chloroquine (in areas without resistance)
  • Atovaquone-proguanil
  • Mefloquine
  • Doxycycline

At Sparkport Pharmacy, we stock quality-assured antimalarial medications and can provide guidance on proper usage. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any antimalarial treatment.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Preventing malaria is always preferable to treating it. Effective prevention strategies include:

  • Using insecticide-treated bed nets
  • Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during evening hours
  • Taking appropriate antimalarial medications when traveling to endemic areas
  • Using air conditioning or screens on windows and doors

At Sparkport Pharmacy

. We offer:

  • Expert advice on malaria prevention for travellers
  • Quality-assured antimalarial medications
  • Educational resources about malaria

Remember, proper prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are key to fighting malaria. If you’re planning travel to a malaria-endemic region or have questions about the disease, our knowledgeable pharmacists are here to help.

Together, we can work toward a world free of malaria. Visit us at Sparkport Pharmacy or call us to learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones.