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Malawi: Talking Malaria
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The Chronicle Newspaper (Lilongwe)
4 September 2007
Posted to the web 4 September 2007
Lilongwe
A very important note must be made: "Most fevers are not malaria and most malaria is not malaria" (quote from article by Dr Stockard)
By doing triple testing on patients who have previously been diagnosed with plus one (+1) malaria the Family Health Clinic has discovered that some positive results are incorrect thus the need to provide some useful information to the public in order to avoid incorrect diagnosis and prompt correct and rapid treatment for malaria.
Getting the correct diagnosis means there is no danger that the presence of other illnesses are ignored which can result in bad consequences and serious implications.
Marjan Huber-Sonke a medical assistant in General Practice (GP) trained with the Welcome Trust at John Hopkins Institute in Blantyre in the laboratory diagnosis of Malaria is currently doing lab work with the Family Health Clinic.
She takes the time to urge people within the city to dialogue with their GP's when diagnosed with malaria and explains some important things about malaria and diagnosis
Some important things to remember about Malaria;
- Malaria is a sever illness that does not blow over within 2 or 3 days, even with treatment
- Symptoms are severe headache, high fever (38 - 40 C+), nausea and body pains
- Even with treatment a malaria patient still can develop other symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Dehydration and weight loss are common complications with malaria and it can take up to two weeks to recover.
- A patient who gets well within two or three days after taking the treatment is very unlikely to have had malaria.
- Malaria takes about 9 days (in some extremes 7 days) to develop symptoms after being infected by a malaria borne mosquito. So for example, developing malaria three days after arriving in Malawi from a non malaria country is not possible.
Some practical advice when diagnosed with malaria;
- Whenever possible, get a second opinion if diagnosed with a plus one malaria (take your blood slide with you to an other laboratory). There are clinics that do antigen testing as well as microscopic testing (a technician needs at least 20 minutes to form a proper opinion on a blood slide).
- Alternative testing is available: An antigen test can remain positive up to two weeks after the infection, even after treatment. So it is possible - see if you have had it.
- Malaria parasites in a slide are almost impossible to see directly after treatment, even directly after incomplete treatment or under-dosage. It takes about two days after taking the last anti-malarial treatment for them to become visible again. So: If a lab gives a plus one or more after you have been on treatment (and they have not used an antigen test) it is probably an incorrect reading
- If a slide in negative; Wait. If symptoms remain or worsen repeat the slide within 6 to 12 hours. A negative slide does not become a plus four within this timeframe so do not worry. but if it is there, it will show itself.
- Do not treat yourself before getting tested - it will affect the outcome.
- Some malaria drugs are strong and can have very serious side effects. There are other excellent treatments for, malaria, discuss drugs and side effects with your doctor
- Take note that these symptoms can also be present in other diseases! Consulting with your GP about these symptoms will inform them in what it is to look for and treat in order to provide you with the best medical assistance.
Always seek the advice of a professional on all health matters that you may have or are concerned about.
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They are trained to make the right prognosis and treatment after a correct diagnosis.
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