In Nigeria and the whole coast of West Africa, this sickness is very common. It is caused by infestation with plasmodium species. It is transmitted at the bite of mosquitoes, especially the female anopheles. This disease affects almost all the body organs and tissues. It causes fever, headache, rigors, joint pains, abdominal pain, body pains, and in severe forms, it can cause central nervous symptoms like derilium and convulsion.
It can cause severe red blood cell destruction leading to jaundice. Though it’s diagnosis is simplified now and there is good prognosis with arthemisin based drugs, it can lead to death more in children but also in adults. Malaria should be diagnosed and carefully treated.
Written by Dr. A.C Umezulike