1. Recognize Symptoms
Malaria, a disease caused by parasite-carrying mosquitoes, affects 350 to 500 million people worldwide and kills about 1 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Malarial infections occur most frequently in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America. It can be very severe and often fatal if it is not treated promptly.
The CDC control cites the following symptoms as hallmark signs of a malaria infection: fever, chills, headaches and muscle aches. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. If you suspect that you have been infected, seek medical attention promptly.
2. Antimalarial medication
If you have a confirmed diagnosis of malaria, antimalarial medication must be administered to treat the infection within the first 24 hours of the appearance of symptoms. Medication can effectively cure the condition.
There are many different kinds of antimalarial medication. The most common medicines are chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, mefloquine, atovaquone-proguanil, quinine and doxycycline. Treatment of malaria depends upon the type of parasite, the geographical area where the infection occurred, the health status of the individual and any allergies that the person might have. Your doctor will factor in these considerations when he or she prescribes an antimalarial medication to you.
If the malaria infection is severe, hospitalization may be required.
3. Prophylactic Treatment
If you are going to a country where malaria is endemic, your doctor may suggest that you take a prophylactic medication, which is a protective measure to reduce your risk of getting malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 30,000 travelers will get the disease each year. The international organization recommends taking prophylactics based upon which country you will be traveling to and what season you will visit the country. Since counterfeit prophylactics are an increasing problem in some developing countries, health organizations strongly encourage getting the medicine from your country of origin rather than the country you are traveling to.
Prophylactic malaria medication is taken approximately 1 week before you travel and then for another 1 to 4 weeks depending upon what type of medicine you are taking. Mefloquine, chloroquine and proguanil are two kinds of prophylactics that are available for preventing malaria. It is important to follow the instructions on the drug's label, as stopping it too soon might allow for the parasites to grow and incite an infection.
Be aware of side effects. Each drug comes with its own side effects. Mefloquine may induce nausea, dizziness, anxiety or hallucinogenic effects. Chloroquine can bring on nausea and vision problems. Proguanil can also cause nausea and mouth irritation. Ask your doctor about specific side effects for the medication you are prescribed.
4. Beta-Blockers
A new category of drugs has been investigated for its potential to block the parasite's ability to enter into the blood stream, reproduce and incite an infection. A 2006 study conducted at Northwestern University showed that the beta-blocker propranolol might help to reduce the dosage amount of traditionally-used antimalarial medications. This finding might prove to be useful in combining therapies to treat malaria.
