MALARIA
What is it?
A serious infectious disease marked by acute attacks of shivering and high fever. It always requires medical treatment.
Symptoms

• The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of symptoms vary between about 7 to 40 days, depending on the malaria parasite.
• Usually starts with mild fever, headache, vomiting and muscular pain.
• Sudden chills and intense shivering. Then follows a   feverish stage with headache and hot flushes. Finally profuse sweating occurs and temperature drops.
• Similar attacks occur every two or three days.
• Children with malaria are inclined to have prolonged high fever and fever fits may occur.

Causes: Malaria parasites which are transferred from one person to another by the Anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted when sporozoites are inoculated into human bloodstream by female Anopheles mosquito during a blood meal.
Possible complications: Depends on the type and severity of the infection. Cerebral malaria, which can be fatal. Blackwater fever.
Treatment in the home: None
When to consult a doctor: If you have visited malaria area and the described symptoms develop.
What the doctor may do: Arrange for blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. If the malaria is confirmed, commence treatment immediately.