Everything you need to know about malaria, from mosquito bites to symptoms and vaccinations

 

In the summer, mosquito bites naturally increase. But it's not just the itchy mosquito bites, Did you know that malaria-carrying mosquitoes can be a problem?

 

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recently issued a nationwide malaria warning, drawing attention to comprehensive information on the differences between common and malaria mosquitoes, bite marks, symptoms, vaccinations, and more. This article will provide essential information about malaria mosquitoes.

 

 

💠What is a malaria mosquito?

A malaria mosquito is a mosquito infected with the malaria parasite, specifically a mosquito of the genus Anopheles.

 

When this mosquito bites a person, it injects the malaria parasite into the body along with the blood, causing the disease.

 

In particular, in Korea, tertian malaria (P. vivax) is mainly found, and in Southeast Asia and Africa, falciparum malaria (P. falciparum), which has a high risk of death, is prevalent.

 

 

 

💠Malaria mosquito appearance and how to distinguish them

Unlike regular mosquitoes, malaria mosquitoes can be distinguished with the naked eye.

 

- There are white and black spots mixed on the wings.
- Sit at a 45-degree angle with your buttocks raised against the wall
- Larger in size and darker in color
- Flying almost silently

 

Keeping these characteristics in mind will help you identify malaria mosquitoes while outdoors.

 

 

 

💠Malaria mosquito bite

 

Many people think, "If I get bitten by a malaria mosquito, won't it leave a special mark?"

 

In fact, the bite marks are almost identical to those of a regular mosquito.

 

In other words, it is difficult to determine whether a person has been bitten by a malaria mosquito just by looking at the mark, and it must be estimated based on the area where the mosquito was active and its external characteristics.

 

 

 

💠Malaria symptoms

If you are infected with malaria, symptoms begin after an incubation period of about two weeks after being bitten by a mosquito.

 

- Fever
- headache
- Chills
- diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain

 

The most representative symptom is febrile seizures In particular, tertian malaria is characterized by high fever that repeats every 48 hours. This is a symptom that is distinct from a simple cold.

 

 

 

💠Malaria Vaccination and Prevention

Unfortunately, there is currently no commercially available malaria vaccine. Instead, taking preventative medication and practicing preventive measures in daily life are crucial.

 

✅ Malaria Prevention Checklist

- Refrain from going out at night from April to October
- Wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants
- Apply mosquito repellent every 3 to 4 hours.
- Be sure to shower after returning home
- Check window screens and use mosquito nets
- Take preventive medication before visiting malaria-endemic areas

 

 

 

💠Malaria mosquito domestic habitat

Northern Gyeonggi Province (Cheorwon, Paju, Hwacheon, etc.) is a major breeding ground for malaria mosquitoes in the country. In fact, more than 60% of domestic infections occurred in this area.

 

Overseas Africa, Southeast Asia, South America The risk of malaria is high in these areas. Precautions are essential when traveling to these areas.

 

 

💠What is the treatment for malaria?

Fortunately, if detected early, most cases are curable.

Treatment is with antimalarial drugs (chloroquine, mefloquine, etc.), and the medication is adjusted depending on the patient's condition.

 

Tertian malaria Mortality rate is less than 0.1% Although deaths from malaria are rare in our country, tropical malaria can be dangerous if left untreated.

 

 

💠Conclusion

Malaria may seem far removed from our daily lives, The threat of malaria mosquitoes is growing closer due to climate change and increased activity during the summer months.

 

This summer, small actions like spraying mosquito repellent, using mosquito nets, and staying indoors at night can be powerful preventative measures to protect your family's health.

 

If you suspect you have malaria symptoms, never tolerate them and seek immediate medical attention. Prompt action is key to maintaining your health.

 

 

 

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