world malaria dayImage Credit source: Freepik
Every year on the occasion of World Malaria Day, emphasis is laid on spreading awareness about a serious disease like malaria. This is a disease that spreads through mosquitoes and can take a dangerous form if timely treatment is not received. It remains a major health problem even today in many countries including India. Conditions like changing weather, dirt and accumulation of water further increase its danger.
people often malaria And dengue is considered the same because both are spread by mosquitoes and their symptoms are also similar to some extent, but due to lack of correct information, people ignore the initial signs, due to which the situation can become serious. Lack of awareness and carelessness also play an important role in increasing this disease. Therefore, it is important that people have correct information about it and become alert in time, so that major problems can be avoided.
What is malaria and why does it happen?
Professor Dr. Subhash Giri, Director, Department of Medicine, RML Hospital. It is said that malaria is an infectious disease, which is spread by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquito. This disease is caused by a parasite named Plasmodium, which enters the human body through mosquitoes. Once it reaches the body, it affects the blood and liver.
Malaria mainly spreads in those places where dirty water accumulates and the number of mosquitoes is high. Its risk increases further during rainy and summer seasons. If not treated on time, this disease can take a serious form. Small children, elderly people and people with weak immunity can become more victims of this, hence it is important to take special care of them.
How different is malaria from dengue?
Both malaria and dengue are diseases spread by mosquitoes, but their causes and symptoms are different. Malaria is caused by parasites, while dengue is spread by viruses. In malaria, symptoms like chills, high fever, sweating and headache are usually seen.
Whereas in dengue, sudden high fever, pain behind the eyes, severe pain in the body and sometimes red rashes can also be seen on the skin. In dengue, platelets can decrease rapidly, which makes it more serious. In both diseases, timely identification and treatment is very important.
What to do for protection?
To prevent malaria, the most important thing is to keep distance from mosquitoes. Do not allow water to accumulate in and around the house, because this is the main place for mosquitoes to breed. Use mosquito net while sleeping and use mosquito repellent cream or spray while going out.
Wear clothes that cover the entire body, especially in the evening. Maintain cleanliness around the house and spray insecticides from time to time. If fever or other symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately, so that timely examination and treatment can be done.
