Malaria

Question 1

Incubation Period

Answer 1

7-30 days, yet can be prolonged if individual was taking antimalarials

Question 2

What is range of symptoms and what do they depend on?

Answer 2

ranges asymptomatic to death. in general symptoms related to where parasite is in its life cycle and where toxins and waste being released

Question 3

Classic Presentation

Answer 3

1. cold stage - shiver etc.
2. hot stage - fever, headaches, vomiting, seizure in kids
3. sweating stage - tiredness
   This attack last 6-10 hours, yet even though called classic.. this cycle is rarely seen

Question 4

Vector

Answer 4

Anopheles mosquitoes

Question 5

Annual Incidence

Answer 5

about 1500 imported cases per year

Question 6

General Malaria Sx

Answer 6

fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea/vomiting, body aches, general malaise

Question 7

Malaria Signs

Answer 7

1. elevated temperature
2. perspiration
3. weakness
4. enlarged spleen
5. mild jaundice
6. hepatomegaly
7. tachypnea.
8. Severe cases = multiple organ failure

Question 8

Diagnosis off of..

Answer 8

clinical suspicion and/or travel history. Uses:

1. blood smears
2. PCR
3. serology for antibodies

Question 9

Labs consistent with malaria

Answer 9

anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated LFT and bilirubin

Question 10

Treatment

Answer 10

Prevention with antimalarial (doxycycline while travel) is best.
Post - exposure quinine
drug resistance is a problem - will need labs