Time to Deliver ZERO Malaria; Word Malaria Day 2023
Malaria, a disease with a history in Iran
Although the statistics and figures show that the malaria disease in Iran has decreased a lot in recent years, but still in some regions of Iran, this disease is considered as a great danger. This risk is higher in provinces such as Sistan and Baluchistan, Hormozgan, and southern and southeastern regions. Considering that the theme of the World Malaria Day 2023 is about the necessity of bringing this disease to zero, you can help the World Health Organization in this regard by conducting a laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
The malaria situation in some provinces is so dangerous that foreign tourists are advised to follow their doctor’s instructions for taking pills and take care of their health before traveling to Iran.
But the highest number of deaths in Iran dates back to 1990, where more than 98 thousand cases of malaria were reported. On the other hand, the Infectious Diseases Center of the Ministry of Health has reported that in the last three years, the rate of endemic malaria in Iran has reached to zero, and patients in Iran have brought this disease with them from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Of course, it goes without saying that the focus of the Ministry of Health is more on the provinces of Sistan and Baluchistan, Kerman and Hormozgan, which have a higher risk of infection than other regions of Iran. With all these words, you should not underestimate this disease and if needed to deal with it, do the laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
On the eve of World Malaria Day 2023, it is not bad to learn more about this disease and how to deal with it.
World Malaria Day 2023, danger is very close
According to the latest reports, about 241 million cases of malaria have been reported in 2020 and more than 62,000 from that number have resulted in death. This statistic shows a difference of 14 million compared to 2019.
The reason for this and the increase in the prevalence rate is the lack of laboratory diagnosis of malaria and pay less attention to other diseases due to the problems caused by the COVID-19 disease and the disruption in the provision of medical services. In such a way that almost two-thirds of the death rate (47,000) occurred due to malfunctions in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria.
So, in fact, the laboratory diagnosis of malaria is still considered as an important element to prevent the damage caused by this disease.
It is because of this high number that World Malaria Day 2023 has tried to inform more about this disease with the slogan “TIME to DELIVER ZERO MALARIA”. Unfortunately, this disease is very unknown in Iran. Although, due to its climatic diversity, Iran is considered to have the potential to transmit this disease.
Malaria disease, what we need to know
What we need to know about malaria disease is that the symptoms of this disease are severe fever and chills and physical symptoms are similar to the flu. For this reason, many people may confuse this disease with a simple cold or heat stroke.
Laboratory diagnosis of malaria is very time dependent. Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the presence of a protozoan called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are 5 species of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species are Plasmodium alciparum (P. falciparum). ) and Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) – constitute the biggest threat. Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most common parasite in the African continent. Plasmodium vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
Other malaria species that can infect humans include P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi. This disease is caused by Plasmodium parasite entering the human body. This parasite affects the red blood cells and causes the red blood cells to rupture. Also, this disease is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, of which 19 species are known in Iran. Of these, only 7 cases are carriers of the disease.
Another thing is the necessity of laboratory diagnosis of malaria if symptoms are observed. Because the dangerous species of P. falciparum is also one of the common species of this disease in Iran. However, the most common type of malaria disease in Iran is P. vivax (Plasmodium vivax), the most important symptom of which is the three-day fever, which shows itself every three days. Of course, the symptom of P. falciparum is the same as 3-1 fever in a more malignant and severe form. The symptoms of the disease are such that the person suffering from malaria first feels cold, then shivers, then has a fever, and finally sweats, which are called the stages of a malaria attack. Other symptoms of malaria are headache, vomiting, enlarged spleen, anemia and muscle pain.
What World Malaria Day 2023 says is that by increasing public awareness about this disease, it can be prevented from spreading too much. The most important thing you can do is to know the symptoms of this disease and inform other people about these symptoms.
Is malaria contagious?
As mentioned earlier, malaria is found in red blood cells. Therefore, this disease is transmitted only through blood transfusion or organ transplantation or using shared syringes contaminated with blood. Of course, in some cases, malaria may also be transmitted from mother to fetus. In addition, malaria is not transmitted from one person to another like a cold, and the possibility of its transmission through sexual contact is also zero. This means that you will not get malaria by having physical contact and sitting next to infected people.
The best way to prevent malaria disease is to not be exposed to mosquito vectors and pay attention to hygiene tips. Of course, note that when you return from a trip, if you have been to a high-risk area, be sure to do a malaria laboratory diagnosis.
Laboratory diagnosis of malaria
As we said, the most common symptoms of malaria are fever and chills. But there may be other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and yellow face due to the loss of red blood cells.
The surest way to know if you have malaria is to do a malaria laboratory test. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can reduce morbidity, prevent mortality and reduce transmission. WHO recommends that all suspected cases of malaria be confirmed using parasite-based diagnostic tests (through microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test). In this direct test, a drop of your blood is tested for the presence of the disease under a microscope. Of course, this method depends on the quality of laboratory equipment and experienced Lab. technicians.
There are other methods to diagnose malaria using different laboratory kits and also PCR method. Using different kits is a good option for when there is no access to a microscope. On the other hand, the PCR method is used to detect the type of malaria species more accurately and precisely.
So, in fact, the usual method of laboratory diagnosis of malaria is the use of a microscope, which is very dependent on equipment and Lab. technicians.
The Paybvand Clinical and Specilaty laboratory, using experienced Lab. technicians and by having advanced equipment, will help you get a quick and reliable diagnosis. In fact, as mentioned before, if this disease is not diagnosed in the shortest time, it may cause severe infections and even death.
The suggestion we offer you is that with the Payvand laboratory, you can diagnose this disease in the shortest time and eliminate its complications. If you travel to one of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchistan, Kerman or Hormozgan, in case of symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor and undergo a clinical examination and, if the doctor decides, do a laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
Give more importance to those around you and say the slogan of World Malaria Day 2023 to your relatives and friends.