WORLD MALARIA DAY 2024

World Malaria day 2024,  April 25 th.

Accelerate the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world… is the theme of world malaria day 2024.

Know about Malaria, organism, vector  ,symptoms, complications, treatment and prevention.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD

Malaria is transmitted by  female Anopheles mosquito when it takes bloodmeal from  a human infected with  malaria and causative parasite is plasmodium species like falciparum, vivax, ovale, malariae. Falciparum species  are responsible for malarial deaths. Vivax and falciparum species are seen in India.

Mosquito breeds in water tanks, pits, overhead tanks,edge of streams, wells, brackish water, pools, ponds, marshy areas.

When an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a human, the parasite ( sporozoite form )enters the human blood stream from the mosquito’s salivary gland. It reaches the liver through the blood, where it undergoes  amplification process, then released into blood stream which will invade and multiply inside RBC. Symptoms appear as a result of invasion and destruction of RBC and by host  response.

Malaria endemic countries are Africa,  Asia. Certain countries have eliminated Malaria. It affects both urban and rural areas, multifactorial like inappropriate water storage and disposal, population migration from endemic to nonendemic areas and vive versa.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS 

 Both adults and children are affected. Endemic area they present with  severe anaemia and cerebral malaria.

Common symptoms are high  fever, which spikes regularly daily, 2 days or 3 days, chills ,rigor, headache , fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice. Falciparum malaria can  affect brain leading to coma or cerebral malaria ,anaemia, renal failure,lung issues or respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, bleeding from nose, gums, GIT ,seizures, hypovolemia . Classic intermittent fever is usually not seen in children.

ENT manifestations are bleeding from the nose, headache,dizziness, ringing sensation in the ear,hearing loss. 

 WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS ?

It can cause multi-organ  failure. Coma, convulsions, shock, breathing problems or respiratory distress, spontaneous bleeding.

Malaria can undergo relapse also.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE ?

Diagnosis is   history, by peripheral blood smear examination for malarial parasite. Rapid test for antibody, PCR .

TREATMENT 

Treatment by  antimalarial drugs, oral and injections, supportive measures.

Complicated or severe cases by falciparum requires requires immediate attention, hospital admission .

Oral medicine for uncomplicated malaria.

How to prevent Malaria

Use bed nets treated with insecticide especially in endemic areas, kill the vector mosquito ,  find and eliminate the breeding places  ,early or rapid diagnosis and management of the infection, chemo prevention or prophylaxis.

Avoid exposure to mosquito, use insect repellent, use fully covered clothes ,use bednets.

Chemoprophylaxis  should be taken, if travelling to endemic area, pregnant women to be warned about the risks if travelling. Consult a doctor for prophylaxis  before travelling as antimalarial drug resistance also is a problem.Those taking medicines should be advised regarding the side effects  of the medicine and  should inform the doctor if any adverse effects happen.

EARLY CASE DETECTION, PROMPT TREATMENT AND VECTOR CONTROL   PREVENTS SPREAD OF MALARIA.

VOICE AND SOME PROBLEMS WE COME ACROSS

April 16th is celebrated as WORLD VOICE DAY, in order to highlight the importance of voice in our daily lives. 2024 theme is   Resonate Educate Celebrate .Voice is produced by the vibration of vocal cords, as the expired air passes through it. Voice is unique. 

WHAT ARE THE  CAUSES THAT LEADS TO PROBLEMS WITH  THE VOICE  ? 

Structural abnormalities due to any inflammation ( upper respiratory infections,allergies,acid reflux), lesions, neurology or muscular problems can lead on to hoarse or weak voice along with pain or discomfort in the throat. 

Problems can arise due to overuse or abuse of the vocal cords as in professional voice users like teachers or singers ( vocal cord nodules)  and  shifting from high pitch to low pitch as in mimicry . There will be early tiring  of the voice. 

Other problems are due to restricted activity of the vocal cords . 

WHAT ARE THE  SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS ? 

Abnormal vocal cord vibration leads to DYSPHONIA ( impairment of voice) absence of vocal cord vibration results in APHONIA. Vocal cord nodule ( teacher's or singer's nodule) , vocal cord polyp, cyst,  inflammation  due to chronic laryngitis, keratosis, granuloma, papilloma, cancers, cleft , neurological problems  causing vocal cord paralysis ,these are some of the conditions affecting vocal cords. 

WHAT CAN BE DONE? 

Examination of the ENT areas, Endoscopy , Stroboscopy , Radiological evaluation and Biopsy  . 

Treatment depends upon the diagnosis. Voice rest, vocal hygiene, voice therapy, vocal exercises ,laryngeal massages are some of the measures.. Medical management ( for upper respiratory infections, allergic and acid reflux) and in some cases phonosurgery. 

WHAT IS VOCAL HYGIENE ? 

Life style changes and dietary modifications, voice rest, adequate hydration,  to quit smoking and alcohol,  to consume less spicy food, to cut down tea and coffee ,  to have food 3 hours before sleep. 

VOICE IS A PRECIOUS GIFT, DON'T ABUSE OR OVER USE IT. ANY CHANGE IN VOICE WHICH IS LASTING FOR  MORE THAN 3 WEEKS NEEDS ATTENTION. 

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