maláría

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. The parasite is transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several species of Plasmodium that can infect humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most dangerous.

Symptoms of malaria typically include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur. Without prompt and proper treatment, malaria can lead to severe complications, including anemia, respiratory distress, cerebral malaria, and organ failure, which can be fatal.

Malaria is preventable and curable. Prevention methods include using insecticide-treated bed nets, spraying indoor resting sites with insecticide, and taking prophylactic medication. Antimalarial drugs are used to treat malaria. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery and to prevent the spread of the disease.

The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. Efforts to control and eliminate malaria involve a combination of vector control, prompt diagnosis and treatment, and the development of new tools like vaccines.