Contents:
- Medical Video: The loathsome, lethal mosquito - Rose Eveleth
- The myth about malaria is wrong and in fact
- 1. You just check with your doctor if malaria is severe
- 2. If you have had malaria, you will become immune and will not be affected again
- 3. The myth, eating or putting garlic around you will repel malaria-causing mosquitoes
- 4. Medication for malaria can make you hallucinate
- Who is at risk for malaria?
Medical Video: The loathsome, lethal mosquito - Rose Eveleth
More than 6,000 people die each year from malaria. Malaria is a dangerous disease caused by parasites from the Anopheles mosquito. If the mosquito bites you, the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria can be transmitted and released into your bloodstream.
Unfortunately, there are still some myths about malaria that are widespread and must be known to the public. If not, the mistake of believing in the myth of malaria could make malaria victims multiply. What are the myths about malaria that must be known? See the explanation below.
The myth about malaria is wrong and in fact
1. You just check with your doctor if malaria is severe
In fact, malaria is a deadly disease. This disease can quickly causes loss of consciousness, seizures, shock, kidney failure, and difficulty breathing.
If you have symptoms of malaria, treatment needs to be taken care of within four weeks. Even if you feel that you are healthy and improving, you still need to stay alert. Because, malaria can still develop in your body without realizing it.
2. If you have had malaria, you will become immune and will not be affected again
The fact is, if you have been exposed to malaria once or even twice, it will not increase your immune system against this disease. This means you can still get malaria again as long as it is not treated or prevented regularly. Especially if you live in the area where mosquitoes and parasites cause malaria.
3. The myth, eating or putting garlic around you will repel malaria-causing mosquitoes
Don't believe in this myth! Some people believe that if you eat pungent foods such as garlic or just put it near the bed can repel malaria-causing mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific hill that can patent the myth about malaria. It's a good idea to focus on preventing preventive creams or sprays. You can also use mosquito nets at night to prevent bites from malaria-causing mosquitoes.
4. Medication for malaria can make you hallucinate
This myth about malaria is not always true. However, it is admitted that malaria drugs can lead to various side effects. Especially the mefloquine drug, which can cause changes in the nervous system and mental health effects. However, such side effects only occur in a few minor cases.
Who is at risk for malaria?
All people of all genders, ages and various health conditions are at risk of developing malaria. Usually pregnant women, babies, young children, and elderly people are vulnerable to malaria because of their weakened immune system.
Traveling to endemic areas or areas with a lot of malaria cases, it can also increase your risk of being affected. Before traveling, it is important to know the risk of which areas have experienced malaria cases. You are also advised to consult a doctor to ask for medication or prevention before traveling.
