Answer - C - Malaria is caused by plasmodium. Malaria is a disease that is commonly found in tropical climates. Plasmodium can be transferred to humans through other humans, mammals, birds, and mosquitoes, which can cause malaria.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria affects people of all ages, but children under five years old are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Pediatric malaria is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, and about two-thirds of these cases were in children under the age of five. Malaria is responsible for a significant number of childhood deaths, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, malaria caused an estimated 409,000 deaths, and about 67% of these deaths were in children under five.
Symptoms of Pediatric Malaria
The symptoms of pediatric malaria are similar to those of malaria in adults, but they may be more severe in children. The most common symptoms of malaria include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
In severe cases of malaria, children may develop complications such as anemia, respiratory distress, seizures, and coma. These complications can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
Diagnosis of Pediatric Malaria
The diagnosis of malaria in children is based on the clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. The most commonly used laboratory test for malaria is a blood smear, which involves examining a drop of blood under a microscope for the presence of the malaria parasite. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect malaria antigens in the blood are also available and can provide a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Pediatric Malaria
The treatment of pediatric malaria depends on the severity of the disease and the species of Plasmodium involved. The WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum, which is the most deadly species of Plasmodium. ACT is highly effective and can cure the disease within three to seven days.
In severe cases of malaria, children may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous (IV) antimalarial drugs, such as quinine or artesunate. These drugs can rapidly reduce the parasite load and improve the clinical symptoms.
Prevention of Pediatric Malaria
Preventing malaria in children is a key strategy for reducing the burden of the disease. The most effective methods for preventing malaria include:
Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs): These are bed nets that have been treated with insecticides, which repel or kill mosquitoes that come into contact with them. ITNs are highly effective at reducing the risk of malaria and are recommended for all children under five years old.
Indoor residual spraying (IRS): This involves spraying insecticides on the walls and ceilings of homes to kill mosquitoes that come into contact with them. IRS is effective at reducing the risk of malaria but may be less practical in some settings.
Antimalarial drugs: Antimalarial drugs, such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), can be given to pregnant women and young children to prevent malaria. This strategy is known as intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) and is recommended by the WHO in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission.
Vaccines: A malaria vaccine called RTS,S/AS01 has been developed and is currently being used in pilot projects in selected African countries. The vaccine has been shown to provide partial protection against malaria in young children.
