Table of contentsMalariaSigns and symptoms of malariaDiagnosis of malariaTreatment of malariaPrognosis of malariaMalariaMalaria is an infectious disease that affects both humans and certain species of animals (Wiese, 2012). Likewise, it is caused by a plasmodium parasite caused by the bite of a mosquito called Anopheles gambiae. However, it is important to note that there are a range of different Plasmodium parasites, but only five Plasmodium parasites have been proven to cause malaria. These are: Plasmodium falciparum (common in Africa), Plasmodium vivax (common in South America as well as in Asia), Plasmodium ovale (West Africa), Plasmodium malariae (common in Africa) as well as Plasmodium Knowlesi (common in South Asia). Once a person is bitten by a plasmodium-carrying mosquito, the parasite travels to the liver and then returns to the bloodstream (White, 2011). Here, the Plasmodium parasite invades red blood cells and lays its eggs. After a period of 48 to 72 hours, the red blood cells usually burst and release several parasites into the bloodstream. Notably, whenever red blood cells burst, they simultaneously cause fever, sweats, and chills in the infected person. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Signs and Symptoms of Malaria In the early stages of malaria, many people, even doctors, mistake malaria for the flu. It is therefore important to know that malaria presents flu-related symptoms in the early stages. Also, a person may have milder symptoms or no symptoms, it depends on the person if they are somewhat immune to malaria. Malaria symptoms may also appear within seven days or later. However, this period can last depending on the plasmodium parasite involved. This period can last 8 to 10 months if P-vivax or P-ovale is the cause. In particular, an infected person may complain of fever, headache, sweating, nausea and vomiting from fatigue and finally chills (Armstrong, 2014). These symptoms occur in cycles, which generally vary depending on the specific parasite involved. Malaria Diagnosis Accurate and rapid diagnosis is essential for the effective control and management of malaria. The first diagnosis will involve identifying the particular parasite in the patient's blood. It doesn't stop at identification. For a correct and effective diagnosis of malaria, the team or specialist in question must submit the question to different aspects. For example, he or she must understand the different species of malaria, the different stages involved in erythrocyte schizogony, correlations between infection levels, population development, immunity, malaria drug resistance, etc. ("Malaria Parasite Diagnosis using Fuzzy Logic", 2016). Notably, malaria is a medical emergency and must be treated appropriately. Delays in treatment usually result in deaths. Treatment of Malaria It is important to note that malaria is curable and preventable. Likewise, the goal of treatment is to completely eliminate the Plasmodium parasite from the blood cells of the infected patient so as to stop the progression of malaria to complicated malaria or even to a fatal situation which is death. According to doctors and public health workers, treatment for malaria involves spreading the malaria infection or stopping the malaria infection in others. There are several known remedies to treat malaria. These are :.