Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Mehmet Uluğ gave information about Malaria disease, which has become more common recently, and its treatment methods.
“MUST BE TREATED WITHIN 24 HOURS”
Dr. Uluğ said, “Malaria epidemics may occur, if appropriate conditions occur, in regions where immunity to malaria is low or when people move to areas with high malaria transmission as refugees to find work. Malaria is an acute febrile disease that is more common in regions where immigrants and refugees are concentrated. Symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after the bite of the infective mosquito. “The first symptoms are fever, headache and chills,” he said.
“IT CAN BE PREVENTED AND TREATED”
Pointing out that P. falciparum malaria can turn into a serious disease if not treated within 24 hours, Dr. Uluğ continued his words by stating that this can often lead to death:
“In children: severe anemia, respiratory distress associated with metabolic acidosis, or one or more of the signs of cerebral malaria may be observed. In adults, multiple organ failure is common. Life-threatening malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. The World Health Organization recommends that all cases of suspected malaria It recommends confirming the diagnosis using microscopy or rapid diagnostic testing before administering treatment. Maintaining the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs is critical for malaria control and elimination.”
PREVENTION METHODS AND VACCINE
Stating that treatment of sick individuals and vector control are the main ways to prevent and reduce malaria transmission, Dr. Uluğ said, “When everyone who is sick is treated carefully, the number of infections will decrease as the chain of transmission will be broken. In vector control; Using insecticide-treated mosquito nets and spraying indoor spaces are effective.
Malaria can be prevented by chemoprophylaxis in those traveling to risky areas. The complex structure of the malaria parasite makes vaccine development a very difficult task. However, RTS, S/AS01 (RTS, S) is the first and to date only vaccine to significantly reduce malaria in African children. “It is only effective against P. falciparum, the most common and deadly malaria parasite.” (UAV)
