Malaria prophylaxis
Malaria prophylaxis
Malaria prophylaxis (pronunciation: məˈlɛərɪə prəʊfɪˈlæksɪs) is a preventive treatment for malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Etymology
The term "malaria" comes from the Italian "mal'aria," which means "bad air." This term was used in the past when it was believed that the disease was caused by foul air. The term "prophylaxis" is derived from the Greek "prophylaktikos," meaning "guarding or preventing beforehand."
Types of Malaria Prophylaxis
There are several types of malaria prophylaxis, including:
- Chloroquine: This is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria is known to be sensitive to its effects.
- Doxycycline: This is an antibiotic that can be used for malaria prophylaxis.
- Mefloquine: This is a medication used to prevent malaria in areas where malaria is known to be resistant to chloroquine.
- Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): This is a combination medication used to prevent malaria.
Importance of Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria prophylaxis is crucial for individuals traveling to areas where malaria is prevalent. It helps to reduce the risk of infection and the severity of the disease if infection occurs. It is important to note that no prophylactic regimen is 100% effective; therefore, travelers should also use personal protective measures such as insect repellent and bed nets.
Related Terms
- Malaria: A life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Prophylaxis: The prevention of disease.
- Anopheles mosquitoes: The type of mosquito that can carry and spread malaria to humans.
- Chloroquine: A medication used to prevent and treat malaria.
- Doxycycline: An antibiotic that can be used for malaria prophylaxis.
- Mefloquine: A medication used to prevent malaria.
- Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): A combination medication used to prevent malaria.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Malaria prophylaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Malaria prophylaxis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski