Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia Malaria Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia
Malaria Malaria is an acute disease caused by Plasmodium group of parasites and transmitted by anopheles mosquito In 1880 Laveran discovered the parasite in Algiers In 1897 Ronald Ross discovered that the anopheles mosquito is the vector for Malaria It is a disease that is seen all over the world especially in the developing countries
Malaria in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya In April 1959 a malaria eradication programme was launched(البدأ) By 1967 Malaria was no more endemic in Libya Now Malaria cases in Libya are imported from other countries
Epidemiological factors Malaria is seen more in warm, humid climate with frequent rainfall Agent is Plasmodium vivax, malariae, falciparum and ovale Transmitted through the bite of female anopheles mosquito Incubation period P vivax – 14 days P falciparum – 12 days
Stages of Malarial parasite
Malaria index Annual Parasite incidence (API) – is the number of confirmed cases per 1000 population in one year
Prevention and control Primary prevention Environmental improvement Prevent mosquito breeding by removing water collections Anti mosquito measures – spray DDT on walls where mosquito rests Anti larval measures – spray larvicide in the water where mosquito breeds Prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito nets Chemoprophylaxis - Chloroquine
Secondary prevention Early diagnosis and treatment To prevent complications especially cerebral malaria To prevent morbidity due to malaria