Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by mosquito bites that carry a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is widely common in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East. Malaria is more prevalent in regions with lots of rainfall and constant high temperatures that supply the perfect conditions for bugs to thrive and multiply.
Malarial attacks begin with multiplication of the plasmodium virus in the red blood cells and could have long-lasting and even deadly consequences.
Malaria starts with headaches, fever and chills and could, in later stages, also lead to coma. Malaria has 3 stages, the first stage starting with fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, hemoglobinuria, retinal injury and fits.
This could occur for 4 to 6 hours every other day, every three days or might happen every four days. As the disease progresses into the second stage, one could experience feelings of heat and dryness, whilst the third stage could result in extreme fatigue and weakness.
It is however worth noting that the first indications occur about 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite when it multiplies and bursts the red blood cells.
The effects of malaria especially in children may not be ignored because a bite from this insect can lead to high intracranial pressure that shows up as abnormal posture caused by acute brain injury.
Malaria caused by mosquito bites could lead to other significant consequences like cognitive impairment, widespread anaemia and neurological impairment with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria could result in retinal whitening that is the foremost distinguishing clinical sign of malaria.
Malaria caused by mosquitoes could in severe cases show up as an enlarged spleen, severe headache, clots of blood in the brain, inflamed liver, low blood sugar and hemoglobinuria which could lead to renal failure.
Other significant side effects caused by this mosquito bite disease could be dehydration, liver or kidney failure and breathing problems caused by fluid in the lungs.
Rupture of the spleen might lead to internal bleeding with the spread of infection leading to inflammation of the meninges, or membranes, that enclose the brain and spinal cord.
The control of malaria begins with the use of mosquito nets, the use of insect repellents and the spraying of insecticides in places where mosquitoes could breed easily.
Home pest control starts with not having water standing about in buckets, tubs and the spraying of insecticides in drains which are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Mosquito repellents could be chemical based or could also be in the form of herbal or biological pest control with the planting of mosquito repellent plants in the environment.
It is best to note that one way of pest control lies in protecting oneself from mosquito bites by avoiding going out at dawn and dusk. It pays to have mosquito mesh on all the doors and windows at home. Avoiding wearing dark colors and opting for long sleeved shirts and long trousers would also help.
Pest control includes using repellents like creams, lotions and electronic devices. It is best to kill mosquitoes by spraying insecticides, but this ought to be done some time before entering the room. Last but not least, preventing mosquito bites is the most effective pest control each time.
Owen Jones writes pieces on various subjects, but is currently concerned with Hand Held Insect Killer devices and stationary units at Electronic Insect Killers.