Acute Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria

Acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria is a severe, life threatening parasitic disease caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is one of the five major species of malaria and the most common type in the world. It is spread through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The other forms of malaria are caused by different species of plasmodium parasites.

The symptoms of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria include shaking chills (shivering), high fever, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. These typically appear after an incubation period of 7-14 days after the infected mosquito bite. Without treatment, the symptoms of malaria can last up to two weeks or more and can become fatal in a few days.

The diagnosis of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is based on the clinical symptoms and a positive malaria diagnosis obtained through blood tests. Blood tests can also detect the number of parasites present in the bloodstream and the severity of the infection.

Treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is based on the severity of the infection. Treatment includes the administration of antimalarial medications, as well as supportive care. Severe infections may require hospitalization and further treatment.

Preventative measures are important in order to reduce the risk of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection. These include avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping in screen-protected places. Vaccines are currently being developed to provide protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Additionally, access to diagnostic services and treatment should be increased in order to reduce the burden of this deadly disease.

Preventative measures

Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping in screen-protected places.
Use protective clothing and bedding to keep mosquitoes out of sleeping areas.
Make windows and doors mosquito-proof during the malaria season.
Reduce mosquito breeding sites by clearing away stagnant water and standing water.
Decrease human exposure to mosquitoes during the peak biting hours, particularly during early morning and evenings.
Apply insecticide to the walls of homes to reduce mosquito populations.
Vaccines are currently being developed to reduce malaria infections.