Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by an infection with parasites called Plasmodium. This eMedTV page explains how the disease is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms and treatment are also discussed.
Malaria Symptoms
In cases of malaria, symptoms often include such things as fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. This page of the eMedTV Web site discusses both mild and severe symptoms of malaria, which can include kidney failure, coma, and severe anemia.
Anopheles
The Anopheles mosquito is the only species known to spread malaria. The eMedTV Web page discusses its life cycle in detail, explains how mosquitoes transmit malaria, and measures designed to combat insect biting and control the spread of disease.
Malaria Causes
As explained in this eMedTV article, infection with a parasite from the genus Plasmodium is what causes malaria. Transmission of the disease most commonly involves bites from Anopheles mosquitoes, which may carry the parasite.
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription drug used to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. This eMedTV Web page offers a more in-depth look at hydroxychloroquine and its other uses, effects, dosing guidelines, and potential side effects.
History of Malaria
As this eMedTV resource explains, malaria's recorded history goes back more than 4,000 years. This article covers the history of the disease, from descriptions of the disease in ancient Chinese texts to efforts to eradicate malaria in the 1900s.
Malaria Vaccine
There is not yet a malaria vaccine approved for humans. This eMedTV article examines the challenges inherent in developing an effective vaccine, while explaining the importance of such a vaccine in eventually controlling the disease.
Malaria Cure
When the disease is treated early enough, there is medication that may be used as to cure malaria. This eMedTV segment identifies medicines that can be used to cure this disease, including chloroquine, mefloquine, and quinine.
Malaria Virus
Infection with a parasite from the genus Plasmodium -- not a malaria virus -- causes malaria. This eMedTV article provides a definition of the term parasite and discusses the four species of Plasmodium that cause malaria among humans.
Malaria Treatment
As this eMedTV article explains, treating malaria involves medications such as quinine. This resource identifies medications used for malaria (such as chloroquine and mefloquine) and lists factors that can affect treatment of the disease.
Malaria Transmission
In most cases of malaria, transmission occurs through a mosquito bite. This section of the eMedTV library explains how transmission of malaria takes place, including information about the incubation period for the disease.
Malaria Incubation Period
Typically, the malaria incubation period ranges from 10 days to four weeks in duration. However, as this eMedTV segment explains, this time between infection with malaria parasites and the onset of symptoms may range from seven days to several years.
Drug Interactions With Hydroxychloroquine
Digoxin, cyclosporine, and certain beta blockers may cause drug interactions with hydroxychloroquine. This eMedTV segment explores what may happen if these drugs are taken with hydroxychloroquine and lists other drugs that may cause an interaction.
Hydroxychloroquine Dosage
The hydroxychloroquine dosage for preventing malaria is 400 mg weekly starting two weeks before exposure. This eMedTV Web page also includes hydroxychloroquine dosing guidelines for the treatment of malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Malaria Diagnosis
The best test for malaria diagnosis is called a blood smear. This eMedTV Web page explains how a doctor diagnoses malaria, which also often involves asking the patient questions, performing a physical exam, and ruling out other conditions.
Precautions and Warnings With Hydroxychloroquine
Children should not take hydroxychloroquine for long-term use. This eMedTV article includes other important precautions and warnings with hydroxychloroquine and offers information on who should not use this drug at all.
Side Effects of Hydroxychloroquine
Diarrhea, nightmares, and weight loss are potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. This eMedTV resource also lists potentially serious hydroxychloroquine side effects that require medical attention, such as hallucinations or easy bleeding.
