Malaria in ChildrenPresented by Amanda LarsonMasters of Public Health Student

Public Health 6165Walden UniversityJanuary 20, 2013

Order of PresentationIntroduction of MalariaMode of TransmissionGeographical Distribution Risk Factors Signs & SymptomsDisease BurdenTreatmentMethods of Control & Prevention

INTRODUCTION OF MALARIAThe Centers for Disease Control

Definition

(CDC, 2012)

Mode of TransmissionInfection from

bite of mosquito Only Anopheles

mosquitoes

Danger = dusk to the early morning

Not spread by causal contact

Found in RBCs

Only spread when blood is exchanged

(APHA, 2004) & (CDC, 2012)

Geographical Distribution

(CDC, 2012)

Risk Factors for Malarial Infection

Every 30 seconds, a child somewhere dies of

malaria. Photo Courtesy of The Ifakara Health Research & Development Centre and the Rufiji District Council Health Management Team, Tanzania

(MFI, 2013)

Mortality Risk by Age Group

Figures: Courtesy of World Health Organization. (2003). The African Malaria Report 2003.

Signs & Symptoms

Incubation Period Early Signs & Symptoms

≈ 8 days to 4 weeks

Rarely 8 to 10 months

Figure: Courtesy of Travel Health Matters (APHA, 2004)

Classification Malaria is diagnosed as severe when any of the following

criteria are present, otherwise it is considered uncomplicated:◦ Decreased consciousness◦ Significant weakness such that the person is unable to walk◦ Inability to feed◦ Two or more convulsions◦ Low blood pressure◦ Breathing problems◦ Circulatory shock◦ Kidney failure or blood in the urine◦ Bleeding problems,◦ Pulmonary edema◦ Low blood glucose level◦ Acidosis or high lactate levels◦ A high parasite level in the bloodWorld Health Organization. (2003). The African Malaria Report 2003.

TreatmentThe treatment of malaria

depends on the severity of the disease. ◦Uncomplicated malaria may be

treated with oral antimalarial medications.

◦Severe malaria requires the intravenous administration of antimalarial drugs.

World Health Organization. (2012). World Malaria Report 2012. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/malaria/publications/world_malaria_report_2012/wmr2012_full_report.pdf

Disease Burden

Local Burden International BurdenMalaria:

◦ Increases school absenteeism

◦ Decreases tourism◦ Inhibits foreign

investment◦ Affects crop production◦ Increases hospital

expenditurea

Despite the advances of the past decade, malaria is still one of the five leading causes of child under-five mortality worldwide.b

100 countries report cases of malaria in 2005.

54 countries reported deaths caused by malaria in 2005.

a: World Health Organization. (2012). World Malaria Report 2012. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/malaria/publications/world_malaria_report_2012/wmr2012_full_report.pdf

b: Hartman, A. F. (2013, January 15). World Malaria Report: Are We in Danger of Replicating History? Retrieved from http://blog.msh.org/2013/01/15/world-malaria-report-in-danger-of-replicating-history/

 

Methods of Control & PreventionLocal community methods:

◦Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs)

◦Indoor residual spraying with insecticides (IRS)

◦Vector control by eliminating mosquito breeding sites

◦Intermittent preventative treatment with full dose of antimalarial drug for pregnant women

◦Blood donors should be questioned for history of malaria

American Public Health Association. (2004). Control of Communicable Diseases Manuel (18th ed.). (D. L. Heymann, Ed.).

Methods of Control & Prevention cont.

Personal Protective Measures◦Avoid going out between dusk and

dawn◦Apply insect repellent to exposed

skin◦Use screens over doors and

windows, or close them at night◦Seek medical help if malaria is

suspectedAmerican Public Health Association. (2004). Control of Communicable Diseases Manuel (18th ed.). (D. L. Heymann, Ed.).

Review Learning ObjectivesWhat is Malaria?Mode of TransmissionGeographical Distribution & Risk

FactorsSigns & SymptomsDisease Burden: Internationally &

LocallyTreatmentMethods of Control & Prevention

ADDITIONAL READING SUGGESTIONSThe Malaria Journal

◦http://www.malariajournal.com/Malaria Elimination Group

◦http://www.malariaeliminationgroup.org/index.phpThe American Journal of Tropical Medicine &

Hygiene◦http://www.ajtmh.org/

Understanding Malaria: Fighting an Ancient Scourge◦US Department of Health & Human Services◦ http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/malaria/documents/malaria.pdf

References American Public Health Association. (2004). Control of Communicable

Diseases Manuel (18th ed.). (D. L. Heymann, Ed.). Centers for Disease Control. (2012). Malaria: Frequently Asked

Questions. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html Centers for Disease Control. (2012). Malaria: Where Malaria Occurs.

Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/distribution.html. Hartman, A. F. (2013, January 15). World Malaria Report: Are We in

Danger of Replicating History? Retrieved from http://blog.msh.org/2013/01/15/world-malaria-report-in-danger-of-replicating-history/

Malaria Foundation International. (2013). About Malaria. Retrieved from Malaria Foundation International: http://www.malaria.org/index.php?Itemid=32&id=8&option=com_content&task=section

World Health Organization. (2003). The African Malaria Report 2003. World Health Organization. (2012). World Malaria Report 2012. Retrieved

from http://www.who.int/malaria/publications/world_malaria_report_2012/wmr2012_full_report.pdf