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The red
blood cells then burst, freeing the parasites to
attack other red blood cells at the same time releasing
toxins into the blood, making the person feel sick.
If a mosquito bites this person while the parasites
are in his or her blood, it will ingest the tiny
parasites. After a week or more, the mosquito can
infect another person again.
For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to 4 weeks
after infection although in some cases, a person
may feel ill as early as 8 days or up to 1 year
later. The symptoms of malaria include fever and
flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache,
muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea may also occur. Because of the loss of
red blood cells, Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice
(yellow coloring of the skin and eyes). One type
of malaria, P. Falciparum, if not promptly treated,
may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion,
coma, and even death. Two other types of malaria,
the P. Vivax and P. Ovale, can relapse as some parasites
can rest in the liver for several months up to 4
years after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
When these parasites come out of hibernation and
begin invading red blood cells, the person starts
to become sick.
Any traveler who becomes ill with a fever or flu-like
illness while traveling or even up to 1 year after
returning home, should immediately seek professional
medical care. Malaria is diagnosed by looking for
the parasites in the blood. A drop of blood is stained
onto a slide and placed under a microscope to spot
the parasites. Malaria can be cured with prescription
drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment
depend on which kind of malaria is diagnosed and
where the patient was infected. The age of the patient
and how severely ill the patient was at start of
treatment are also important factors.
Dengue
Hemorrhagic Fever
Dengue viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes which
are most active during the day. These vector mosquitoes
are found near human habitations and are often present
indoors. Epidemic transmission is usually seasonal,
during and shortly after the rainy season.
Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset, high
fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain,
nausea/vomiting, and rash. The rash may appear 3-4
days after the onset of fever. Infection is diagnosed
by a blood test that detects the presence of the
virus or antibodies. The illness may last up to
10 days, but complete recovery can take 2-4 weeks.
Dengue is commonly confused with other infectious
illnesses such as influenza, measles, malaria, typhoid,
leptospirosis, and scarlet fever. The symptoms of
dengue can be treated with bed rest, fluids, and
medications to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen.
Travelers should alert their physician of any fever
illnesses occurring within 3 weeks after leaving
an endemic area. There is no known vaccine for dengue
fever; therefore, the traveler should avoid mosquito
bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Travelers
are advised to use mosquito repellents on skin and
clothing and to bring an aerosol insecticide for
use indoors if there are no bed-nets. The risk of
dengue is generally higher in urban areas.
If you suffering any of the above symptoms, call
012 85 48 48
or go to Elizabeth Polyclinic
at 364-366 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom
Penh for immediate medical attention. |
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