Malaria

Malaria (Ague, King of Tropical Diseases)

Infectious disease that is arthropod-borne, characterized by chills followed by fever occurring regular intervals Caused by the protozoan Plasmodium 4 species of plasmodium 1. P vivax - causes benign tertian malaria 2. P. falciparum most frequently encountered here ff by vivax; most fatal; multiplies rapidly 3. P. malariae less frequent; causes quartan malaria 4. P. ovale rarely seen Vector: Female anopheles mosquito Night biting Breeds in clear, slow-moving water (rural areas) Lands on surface in a 45 angle

Incubation Period: P. falciparum: 12-14 days P. vivax/ovale: 13-17 days P. malariae: 28-30 days Period of Communicability: infective as long as gametocytes & asexual forms remain in blood

Malaria Life Cycle

Human Asexual cycle ( Schizogony) Mosquito sexual cycle ( Sporogony)

Malaria Life Cycle

Mosquito Sexual cycle (Sporogony) - sporozoites Human Asexual cycle (Schizogony) schizonts and merozoits

 1.

Stages of Malaria Cold stage

- chilling manifestations (10-15 mins)

Nursing responsibility: . provide warmth to patient

> add clothing > warm drinks > hot water bags > socks

2. Hot stage
characterized by fever, headache, abdominal pain & vomiting - lasts for 4-6 hours

Nursing responsibility: lower body temperature

> TSB > light, loose clothing > antipyretics

3. Diaphoretic stage
excessive sweating/ feeling of weakness due to the past stages px underwent

Nursing Responsibility: -keep patient comfortable with dry, warm clothes, replace
fluid loss. -Monitor V/S - Diet high calories, vitamins and minerals -Fluid and electrolytes balance

Complications of P. falciparum
- cerebral malaria - severe anemia - hypoglycemia - pulmonary edema - shock

Diagnostic Examination: 1. Malarial Smear- collect at the peak of fever 2. Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC)- rapid test for malaria

Treatment: Anti-malarial agents -Chloroquine (drug of Choice) -Quinine -Primaquine -Fansidar Preventive Measures: CLEAN Program