Malaria Disease

Malaria is a severe and at times fatal disease commonly brought about by a small mosquito bite. The Philippines is particularly prone to this disease because of the tropical climate which consists of the summer and rainy seasons.

The disease is widespread in Africa, but it is also a great concern for tropical countries like the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that each year, 300-500 million cases of malaria occur and more than 1 million people die of this disease.

In the Philippines, as of 2008, malaria affects more than six million of the country’s population of 72 million. A person becomes infected with malaria if he/she is bitten by a mosquito that is infected by the malaria parasite.

FAQ about Malaria

Q: Do all mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite?

A: No, not all mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite. In the Philippines, it is the adult female Anopheles mosquito that can become infective and therefore carries the malaria parasite after she bites a person infected with malaria.

Q: What are the symptoms associated with the Malaria disease?

A: Malaria Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Joint Pains
• Headache
• Shivering
• Vomiting
• Convulsions

Q: Who are at risk in getting malaria?

A:People who are most vulnerable are:

• Children
• Pregnant Woman
• Indigenous
• Forests workers, miners, soldiers
• Isolated Villages
• People who are not from a malaria area but who travel to an infested area.

Q: How can a person become infected with Malaria?

A: A person can become infected with malaria if he/she was bitten by an infective Anopheles mosquito.

Q: Is Malaria present throughout the country?

A: In the country, certain municipalities of the 63 provinces are endemic for malaria.

Q: What is the treatment for Malaria?

A: Malaria is treated by taking the appropriate anti-malarial medicines against the particular malaria species found in the blood smear of the patient. A blood smear has to be done to find out what particular species is present in the patient’s blood. It is also advised to complete the dosage of the anti-malarial medicine prescribed to him/her.

Q: What can you do to protect yourself from the malaria disease?

A: Here are simple tips to keep you and your family safe from mosquito bites:

• Sleep inside an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens to prevent the mosquito from entering your home.
• Use mosquito repellant on your walls and surroundings.
• Apply mosquito repellant lotion on any exposed skin.
• Wear long sleeves and pants for protection against bites when working at night.
• Use a mosquito and fly trap to eliminate any and all insects.