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Unfortunately, the disease called malaria has been rearing its ugly head in the United States again after being all but eradicated. Cases have popped up in both Florida and Texas. As you probably know, the mosquito is the number one transmitter of this sometimes deadly disease.
This disease has plagued humankind for thousands of years. It is actually spread through a parasite that enters the human bloodstream through the mosquito bite. People who get this disease often get severely sick, including fever, chill, cold sweats, fatigue and many more symptoms. The disease can remain in your system and you can plague you for life.
A full list of symptoms are as follows:
First, a mosquito gets infected with the parasite by feeding on an infected organism. It then transmits the parasite to the human it bites afterward. The parasite travels to the liver where it can remain dormant for some time. When the parasite has matured it then leaves the liver and enters your bloodstream. At this point, the symptoms begin.
Traditionally, cases are common in Africa, Asia and South America. North America has had malaria in its rear view mirror for some time. But recently, cases have emerged.
Malaria can infect anyone. But morbidity only usually occurs for those who are weakest. A healthy adult will most likely not die from infection. Small children, pregnant women, people with co-morbidities and elderly people are most at risk of death from infection.
People Die from Malaria in the Following Ways
Cerebral malaria – Parasite infects the brain and blocks blood flow.
Lungs – Fluid build up in the lungs can cause a person to suffocate.
Organ failure – Overwhelmed kidneys and other organs can shut down from malaria.
Anemia – A depletion of red blood cells can cause a person to get very sick and expire.
Low blood sugar – Very low blood sugar can result in coma or death.
If you get sick and suffer fatigue that will not go away then you should probably see a doctor. It’s unlikely at this point that you have malaria but it should not be ruled out. The sooner they test and treat for the cause of your illness the better your chances of survival.
Don’t allow stagnant and still water to accumulate around your home. Old tires or plants pots should be turned on their side so as not to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
If traveling abroad, make sure to discuss this with your doctor. They can give you the proper preventative medicine to make sure that you don’t get infected by this deadly parasite.
