Malaria Guide: Understanding, Treatment & Prevention.

By Peter Jumba


Malaria Guide: Understanding, Treatment & Prevention.

A stylized, high-resolution graphic or photograph that emphasizes prevention. It could feature a family sleeping safely under a clean mosquito net in a warm climate, or a symbolic image combining a mosquito with a target/crosshair to represent eradication efforts./ Source: Google Images 



Learn the causes, critical symptoms, and life-saving treatments for malaria. Discover essential prevention tips, from mosquito nets to medication, to protect yourself and your family.


Cause:

Malaria is caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. Five species of Plasmodium can cause malaria in humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malaria, and Plasmodium knowlesi.

 Transmission:

 Malaria is typically transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Less commonly, malaria can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplantation, or from a mother to her unborn baby.

 Symptoms:

 Malaria symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after the infective mosquito bite. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, chills, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, malaria can cause organ failure and death.

Treatment of Malaria

Malaria is treated with prescription drugs that kill the parasite. The type of drug and the length of treatment will vary, depending on the species of Plasmodium causing the infection, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's overall health.

Prevention of Malaria

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and by taking preventive medication.

 Avoiding mosquito bites:

  •    Use mosquito nets when sleeping.
  •    Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.
  •    Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  •    Stay indoors during peak mosquito times.

 Preventive medication:

   Several drugs are available to prevent malaria. The type of drug and the dose will depend on the traveller's destination and health status. It is important to start taking preventive medication before travelling to a malaria-prone area and to continue taking it for some time after returning.


Additional Information

 Malaria is a global health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were 241 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2020, with 627,000 deaths.

 Children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable to malaria.

  •  There is no vaccine for malaria, but several vaccines are currently under development.

If you are travelling to a malaria-prone area, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria. If you develop malaria symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Malaria continues to be the most dangerous disease worldwide. 

Protect yourself from Malaria by reading this information.

Protect Yourself: Get the full guide on malaria prevention now! or Download the Malaria Prevention Checklist.




Malaria Treatment Protocols: ACTs, Severe Cases, & Drug Resistance. Updated on 18/10/2025 at 17:11



Get detailed protocols for uncomplicated and severe malaria. Learn about ACTs, the risk of drug resistance, and the critical G6PD safety check for P. vivax radical cure.



The foundation of effective malaria management lies in prompt diagnosis followed by the correct, weight-based treatment. The goal of treatment is two-fold: to rapidly clear the parasite from the patient's bloodstream and to prevent the development and spread of drug resistance.


1. Treatment of Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria.

P. falciparum is the deadliest species and the most common cause of severe disease. For uncomplicated cases (no signs of severe malaria), the global standard is Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT).

What is an ACT? It combines an artemisinin derivative (a fast-acting drug that clears most parasites quickly) with a longer-acting Partner Drug (which stays in the body longer to kill the remaining parasites and prevent resistance).

Key ACT Regimens:


  • Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL):The most widely used ACT in Africa. It is a 6-dose, 3-day regimen. Nursing Consideration: Optimal absorption requires a fat-containing meal, which can be challenging for acutely ill patients.

  • Artesunate-Amodiaquine (ASAQ)

Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) The Single Dose of Primaquine: In most settings, a single dose of Primaquine is added to the ACT to target and kill the sexual-stage parasites (gametocytes), which are responsible for transmission to mosquitoes.

2. Treatment of Severe Malaria.

Severe malaria is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospitalization and intravenous (IV) treatment.

  • First-Line Treatment: Intravenous (IV) Artesunate is the drug of choice for severe malaria in both adults and children. It is superior to the older standard, Quinine, due to faster parasite clearance and lower risk of complications.


  • Protocol: IV Artesunate should be administered for a minimum of 24 hours (or until the patient can safely swallow oral medication), followed immediately by a full course of a recommended oral ACT to complete the treatment.


  • Severe Malaria Nursing Care: Management must include treatment of life-threatening complications like cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and acute kidney injury.

3. Treatment of P. vivax and P. ovale.

These species pose a unique challenge because they have a dormant liver stage (hypnozoites) that can cause relapses weeks or months after the initial infection is treated.

  • Treatment Protocol: Requires a combination of two drugs:

  • An initial drug (like Chloroquine or an ACT) to clear the blood-stage parasites.


  • Primaquine or Tafenoquine (Hypnozoiticidal drugs) for 7-14 days to eliminate the dormant liver forms and prevent relapse (Radical Cure).

  • Critical Nursing Safety Check (G6PD): Primaquine and Tafenoquine can cause severe hemolytic anemia in patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Before administering these drugs, nurses must ensure the patient has been screened and tested negative for G6PD deficiency.

Master the ACTs: Download the WHO-Aligned Dosing Charts and G6PD Screening Checklist.
Location: Nairobi Nairobi, Kenya

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ultimate Guide to the Liver and Pancreas: Comparing Anatomy and Vital Functions.

By Peter Jumba
Image
 The Ultimate Guide to the Liver and Pancreas: Comparing Anatomy and Vital Functions. This image illustrates the accessory organs of the digestive system in the upper abdomen of a human body, specifically highlighting the: Liver Gallbladder Pancreas It shows their relative positions to each other and surrounding digestive structures ( intestines ) The liver and pancreas are both essential organs located in the upper abdomen that play key roles in digestion and metabolism , but they have distinct functions, locations, and structures. The liver primarily produces bile and processes nutrients, while the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin .  Key Differences and Comparisons: Feature Liver Pancreas. Location:  Upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm. Behind the stomach, in the C- shaped curve of the duodenum. Size/Shape:  The largest internal organ, wedge-shaped. A smaller, long, flat, pear-shaped gland (about 6 inches). Primary Secretion (E...
Let's go

The Silent Heroes: What You Need to Know About Your Kidneys Right Now.

By Peter Jumba
Image
The Silent Heroes: What You Need to Know About Your Kidneys Right Now. A diagram illustrating the anatomy of the human urinary system. The image shows the two bean-shaped Kidneys located toward the back of the abdomen. Leading down from each kidney is a tube called the Ureter , which carries urine to the central Bladder . The bladder is situated in the lower pelvis, and below it, the Urethra is shown as the tube through which urine exits the body. The human body is an engineering marvel, and its purification system—your two fist-sized kidneys—are the unsung heroes working 24/7. Their primary function is a life-or-death job: filtering your blood, removing toxic waste products, balancing fluids, and regulating vital minerals. In an era of increased awareness and new medical breakthroughs, people are asking more questions than ever ab...
Let's go

BP Measurements: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Learner Nurses.

By Peter Jumba
Image
BP Measurements: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Learner Nurses. Struggling with BP measurements ? This easy-to-follow guide breaks down blood pressure technique into simple steps for learner nurses . Master the skill and boost your confidence now! Mastering Manual Blood Pressure: A Definitive Step-by-Step Guide for Learner Nurses. Accurate vital sign measurement is the bedrock of clinical practice . For learner nurses, mastering the manual auscultatory blood pressure (BP) technique is essential, as it often serves as the most accurate method for assessing cardiovascular status . This guide breaks down the process into four clear stages, ensuring accuracy and confidence every time. Part 1: Preparation and Patient Readiness. Before even touching the equipment, proper setup is crucial. Errors at this stage are the most common cause of inaccurate readings. Step Action Clinical Rationale (Expand). ...
Let's go

The Basics of First Aid: Essential Skills for Emergency Response.

By Peter Jumba
Image
The Basics of First Aid: Essential Skills for Emergency Response. Everyone should know basic first aid. This comprehensive lecture covers essential life-saving techniques, emergency procedures, and how to act quickly when it matters most. Start learning today. Mastering First Aid Basics: Slide 1: What is First Aid? Definition:  First aid is immediate care given to a person who is injured or ill to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or promote recovery until professional medical help arrives. Goal: Your primary objective is to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery. Importance: First aid is a vital skill that everyone must learn; you have the power to make a significant difference in any emergency. Slide 2: Key Principles of First Aid Safety First: Always prioritize your safety, as well as that of the injured person and onlookers. Identify and eliminate any potential hazards. A...
Let's go

Cancer in Women: Early Detection, Screening, and Awareness.

By Peter Jumba
Image
Cancer in Women: Early Detection, Screening, and Awareness. Stay informed about the cancers that commonly affect women. Learn about critical early detection methods, essential screening guidelines, and what you need to know for prevention and peace of mind. Introduction: Hey there! Let's talk about an important topic— cancer . It's a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow and spread uncontrollably in the body. While cancer can impact anyone, women are particularly at risk for certain types. Common Types of Cancer in Women. 1. Breast Cancer: This is the most common cancer for women around the world. It typically starts in the breast tissue , especially in the ducts or lobules . 2. Cervical Cancer: This type begins in the cervix , the low...
Let's go

Master Critical Thinking in Nursing: A Beginner's Guide.

By Peter Jumba
Image
Master Critical Thinking in Nursing: A Beginner's Guide .  Learn the 11 key steps to critical thinking in nursing, from patient observation to sound clinical judgment. Build the confidence to deliver safe, effective care. Critical thinking in general nursing refers to the ability of nurses to actively and skillfully analyze, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize information to make sound clinical judgments and provide safe and effective patient care. This process goes beyond simply following protocols; it involves a thoughtful and reasoned approach to problem-solving and decision-making.  Key Aspects of Critical Thinking in Nursing: 1. Observation:  Paying close attention to both verbal and nonverbal patient cues and recognizing changes in their condition.    2. Interpretation:  Understanding the meaning of assessment data , lab results , and other relevant i...
Let's go

Medication Management for Learner Nurses: 8 Essential Pillars.

By Peter Jumba
Image
 Medication Management for Learner Nurses: 8 Essential Pillars. source: Google Images  Master the 8 core principles of medication administration, including pharmacokinetics, dosage calculations, and the Rights of Administration. Essential reading for Learner Nurses. As a Learner Nurse, your journey into patient care is exciting, and few responsibilities are as critical as medication administration. It's more than just following a doctor's order; it's about truly understanding the science behind the medications we administer, and acting as knowledgeable advocates for our patients. Mastering medication management is a cornerstone of competent nursing practice. To do this effectively, you must understand eight key pillars. Eight Essential Pillars of Medication Knowledge 1. Pharmacokinetics: What the Body Does to the Drug This refers to how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs (ADME). Understanding pharmacokinetics helps you predict how a medication w...
Let's go

Mastering Patient Care: Holistic Skills for Nurses.

By Peter Jumba
Image
Mastering Patient Care: Holistic Skills for Nurses. Source: Google Images   Elevate your nursing practice! Discover the foundations of patient-centered care, essential communication skills, ethical principles (Autonomy, Justice), and teamwork needed for compassionate, quality care.  Understanding Patient Care : A Guide for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals" is a comprehensive topic that encompasses a variety of principles, skills, and practices. At its core, patient care is about a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes the individual's well-being, preferences, and needs. Here is a guide to understanding patient care, broken down into key components: 1. The Foundation:   Patient-Centered Care : Patient-centered care is the cornerstone of modern healthcare. It moves beyond simply treating a patient's illness to considering ...
Let's go

The Definitive Guide to Nursing Tasks: Roles, Duties, and Settings (CNA, LPN, RN, APRN).

By Peter Jumba
Image
The Definitive Guide to Nursing Tasks: Roles, Duties, and Settings (CNA, LPN, RN, APRN). Explore the definitive guide to nursing tasks! Understand the core duties of CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs across hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. Hierarchy of nursing tasks and roles (CNA, LPN, RN, APRN) showing duties like medication administration, patient education, and care planning in diverse settings. Introduction: What Do Nurses Really Do? Nursing is a multifaceted profession, encompassing far more than just taking vitals. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, delivering holistic support from the bedside to advanced clinical practice. The specific duties performed depend heavily on the nurse's level of certification (e.g., CNA , LPN , RN , APRN ) and their unique work environment. This guide breaks down the core responsibilities that define the nursing profession across all specialties and settings. Core Nursing Responsibilities: The Pillars of Patient Care. The foundationa...
Let's go