From 2007, 25th April is celebrated as World Malaria Awareness Day. The idea of having a Malaria Day was propagated by former US President George. W. Bush. Here are some malaria facts that needs revision to break down the myths that we have built around this monstrous fever.
5 Malaria Facts That Need Revision:
1. Mosquito Bites: It is a simple mosquito bite that causes Malaria. This fact about Malaria might seem obvious, but look at the statistics and you will reach a painful conclusion. At least 2 billion people, who suffer from this disease every year, either do not know exactly what kind of Mosquito bites cause malaria or are too poor to afford a mosquito net!
2. Types Of Malaria: There are many types of malaria and not all are life threatening under normal circumstances. Plasmodiam vivax is the most common strain of malaria in India that amounts to 60 per cent of the cases. It is not as rare or dangerous as the deadly Falciparum, that attacks the cells of the brain and central nervous system. That is why it is nick named 'Malignant' Malaria.
3. Blood Count: Why is Malaria a lethal fever? This is because, unlike other fevers, it attacks your blood cells. Not only does it reduce your platelet count drastically, but also kills your red blood cells. If you are infected with malaria, you need to keep a regular record of your basic blood counts.
4. Relapses: The most dangerous thing about malaria is that it can relapse even after a gap of 4 years. So, you need to make sure you are completely cured. The signs of enduring malarial infection are chronic anemia (low hemoglobin count) and weakness.
5. The Most Susceptible: Its not just the people below the poverty line who are susceptible to malaria. It can attack anyone who is bitten by the female Anopheles mosquito But pregnant women and small children are at the highest risk. Children who grow up to survive malaria, especially malignant malaria, can exhibit mental illness.
Recounting these facts about malaria on World Malaria Day is a rude reminder that the battle against this deathly fever is still being waged.