Malaria, otherwise known as diarrhoea, is classed as a fatal disease. It is a parasitic disease. The disease develops in the human body as a result of a protozoan of the Plasmodium genus entering the body.
The most common way it enters the body is through a mosquito bite (vector) or during a transfusion of infected blood. The following species of malaria-causing parasite are currently known: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium knowlesi.
Each of these species, leads to a characteristic disease course, associated symptoms, complications and influences the choice of treatment. The disease is characterised by recurrent, febrile attacks (every 2 or 3 days). Other symptoms depend on the type of Plasmodium that has invaded our organism (different incubation period of the parasite and appearance of symptoms). Treatment always takes place under medical supervision.
Cerebral malaria - symptoms and course
Cerebral malaria is one of the most severe and dangerous forms of malaria. It is a very serious disease, which unfortunately ends in the death of the patient in about 50% of cases. Once the right treatment is started, the chances of the patient recovering, without any complications, are very high.
Tiny, rapidly growing intracellular parasites are responsible for its development. The consequence of this process is the breakdown of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which in turn leads to them lodging in the luminal blood vessels of the brain and being agents of hypoxia in the brain tissue. In areas of hypoxia, necrotic foci appear. The lack of an adequate number of red blood cells also leads to anaemia, a drop in blood pressure and a strong increase in blood viscosity.
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The course of cerebral malaria is as follows:
- I Phase - this is the so-called cold phase, where chills predominate, sometimes very strong,
- II Phase, in which the patient has a very high temperature,
- III Phase, in which the patient experiences severe sweating (the so-called flooding sweats are said to occur).
The sick person does not know what is happening to them and does not know how to help themselves. It feels as if someone or something is 'tearing' his body into small pieces. In the case of cerebral malaria, there are also neurological and psychological disorders such as anxiety, restlessness, delirium, problems with speech, movement, consciousness, strange body positions and coma.
Other symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, slowed heart rate, irregular breathing and others. The symptoms are specific to each patient. If the symptoms described above occur, call the emergency services or transport the patient to hospital.
What is the prevention of malaria?
There is currently no known vaccine against malaria. In areas where malaria may be contracted, it is important to use available antimalarial drugs, avoid insect bites, take antimalarial drugs, cover the body, etc. Before travelling, it is advisable to listen to what your doctor has to say.