Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by the bite of a mosquito called Anopheles. We find the majority of cases in Africa south of Sahara. Birds can also be infected with the parasite.

The disease can be contracted by blood transfusion (infected) or syringe sharing among drug addicts. A person can be infected in a temperate countries by a mosquito carried in the baggage hold of an airplane.

Transported by the blood, the parasite reaches the liver in thirty minutes and in which it multiplies for several days. It then circulates in the blood and infects red blood cells. It's the fever and anemia. Death can occur when blood vessels in the brain are blocked by infection.

The infected person has a high fever and feel chills alternating with sweats and feeling cold. The infection causes headaches, body aches, nausea and diarrhea.

Consult a physician if you have fever within three months following a trip in an area where malaria is rife.