MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine, Senior Residency - Internal Medicine
General Physician, Patna
•
36 years experience
Share QuizShare
You correctly answered out of 5 questions
Malaria is contagious
1 of 5
Malaria cannot be transmitted from one person to another unless the infection affects a pregnant woman. However, malaria can be transmitted from one person to another by sharing needles and blood transfusions. Infected mothers can transmit the disease to their unborn child. This is known as congenital malaria. However, this is quite rare. If a person around you suffers from Malaria, take precautions from mosquito bites and use repellants during the day and night.
Treatment for Malaria
2 of 5
Treatment for malaria depends on many factors. Primary amongst these is the type of parasite causing the infection. The severity of the symptoms also determines the course of treatment. Many types of parasites are also becoming drug resistant and hence this also plays a large role in finding the best form of treatment. These factors determine the dosage of medication required and whether it needs to be prescribed in either form of a pill or intravenously. If not treated properly, Malaria can relapse.
Malaria is curable
3 of 5
Malaria is a common disease spread by mosquitoes. This can be categorized as uncomplicated or severe. In both cases, if it is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated and cured. The primary objective of treatment for malaria is to eliminate the parasite from the body as fast as possible. This prevents the progression of uncomplicated malaria to a more severe form. Treating malaria also reduces the chances of transmission to others. High fever and shivering are characteristics symptoms of malaria and should not be ignored.
The presence of the parasite causing malaria can be noted in a
4 of 5
Early diagnosis of malaria can help treatment be more effective. Thus, the moment you begin to experience the early symptoms of malaria, you must go to a hospital to undergo tests. A blood test can help note the presence of the parasite. It can also help determine the type of malaria parasite in your blood. If the infection is caused by a drug-resistant variant of the parasite, a blood test can also help determine the best form of treatment. Some blood tests can take 15 minutes while others can take a few days.
Medication is the main form of treating Malaria
5 of 5
There are a number of anti-malarial drugs that can be prescribed to treat malaria. This includes Chloroquine, Mefloquine, and Quinine Sulfate. In some cases, a combination of proguanil and atovaquone may also be prescribed. However, one of the issues with drugs used to treat malaria is a growing resistance to them. For example, Chloroquine is ineffective in many parts of the world. Do not stop taking medication mid-course. Complete the course even if your symptoms subside.