According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria can be prevented and treated. It may be tough to get identify the disease as the parasite can go into the human body and stay at the resting stage for a long time. Malaria shows fever-like signs and symptoms, as it is a febrile illness. The following are those symptoms-
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Feeling shivery or chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- 38°C up to 41°C temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing
Diagnostic tests such as Microscopic detection, Chemiluminescent testing, blood test, and other tests can help identify the illness. Malaria treatment includes prescription medications to kill the parasite. RTS, S is the vaccine available for the illness. This vaccine can help reduce the severity or likelihood of falling prey to this disease.
Dengue
The World Health Organization ((WHO)) categorizes dengue into two categories; dengue that shows mild or no symptoms and severe dengue. In the beginning, people who get the infection show mild or no signs and symptoms. In the febrile phase, people generally have a 41°C temperature. Malaria and dengue symptoms may seem similar. Dengue symptoms are as follows-
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Rashes
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Swollen glands
Some cases turn into a critical stage, also called severe dengue. It is considered a life-threatening situation. The warning symptoms of severe dengue include the following-
- Bleeding under the skin
- Bleeding from nose and gums
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Blood in stool, urine, or vomit
There is no exact dengue treatment as it is a viral disease. However, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help ease symptoms of joint and muscle pain and fever. It is advised to seek immediate medical help as soon as you notice warning signs and symptoms.
If you have both, malaria and dengue, it is from a mosquito vector bite and can threaten a healthy person’s life. Nevertheless, taking preventive measures can help prevent the disease and live a healthy life.
The diagnosis and treatment for malaria and dengue need immediate and quality medical help.
What is the best malaria treatment?
Medications such as Quinine, Pyrimethamine, Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine with leucovorin (Fansidar), Mefloquine, Atovaquone-proguanil, Artemether-lumefantrine, and Combinations Fansidar can help ease malaria symptoms and treat the illness. Other than this, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
How do you treat dengue?
You can take paracetamol for pain and fever. Avoid consuming ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can lead to bleeding issues in people suffering from dengue. Alongside, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Above all, take plenty of rest.
Preventive measures
Wear protective clothing
Wear socks, shoes, and long-sleeved shorts, as mosquitoes can bite when you wear tight-fitting clothes.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Mosquitoes that cause dengue and malaria breed in unmoving water in urban areas.
Consider sleeping under a mosquito net
You must sleep under a mosquito net to prevent malaria and dengue. It should be treated with an insecticide.
Use insecticide repellent
Products having 50% DEET are very effective in preventing mosquito bites. For children, you should treat 15 to 30% DEET, which is of lower strength. For children younger than 60 days, use DEET alternatives.
It is a good thought to talk to your GP or visit a travel clinic before you travel somewhere, especially in malaria or dengue-prone areas. You can get advice on how to prevent malaria, dengue, and other severe illnesses.
