After 50 years of absence, the presence of mosquitoes capable of transmitting malaria have been reported in Puglia. Although experts recommend avoiding alarmism, the news should not be underestimated. The tropical disease is still present in endemic form in many countries around the world and 241 million cases of infection were reported in 2020 alone. Infection almost always occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito, but symptoms and incubation times can vary greatly depending on the species of infecting parasite.
A study by the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Puglia and the Basilica has reported the presence of the malaria mosquito in Puglia after 50 years of absence. These are specimens of the family Anopheles sacharovi traced along the coastal region of Salento, between Lecce and Otranto. However, experts have underlined the importance of don’t be alarmist: the news in fact does not mean that malaria has returned to Italy, but that it is necessary intensify efforts to control and reduce the presence of mosquitoes In circulation.
In Italy there was malaria eradicated in the early 1960showever it continues to be there main imported disease in the country, explains the Higher Institute of Health (ISS). It’s about a tropical disease which if not treated in a timely manner can haveand severe symptoms and in extreme cases be even mortal. Humans can contract it following the bite of an infected mosquito which transmits the pathogen responsible for the disease into the human blood, or from some parasitic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium.
About half of the world’s population is considered at risk of malaria and the disease it is still endemic in several countries around the world, primarily in Africa. Of the 241 million cases reported in 2020 worldwide, as many as 95% occurred in Africa, according to data from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Malaria Report 2021.
What is Dengue fever: symptoms and treatment of the mosquito-borne disease
What is malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by five species of Plasmodium: The P. falciparumThe P. vivaxThe P. ovalThe P. malariae and the P. knowlesi. This parasite is typically transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, but not by all. Mosquitoes that can be vectors of the infection are females from the family Anopheles (they are also distinguished from the others because they sting mainly from dusk to dawn).
The MSD Manual explains the phases of the life cycle of the parasite responsible for the disease: essentially when a mosquito bites an infected person ingests blood containing the parasite and can thus become infected. When the insect bites another person, it can in turn transmit the disease. So the transmission is carried by the mosquito bite and it can never happen from person to person, the ISS explains further. The only other possible routes of transmission, although very rare, are blood transfusions and sharing needles.
How the parasite responsible for malaria works
When a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasite ends up in the human blood and through this reaches the liver. Here it develops before being released back into the bloodstream, i.e. moles Red blood cellswhere it grows and multiplies, until the red blood cells rupture, releasing the new parasites in the blood. Whenever this occurs the infected person may experience bouts of fever with chills and sweats, typically every 48-72 hours, depending on the species of infecting parasite.
What are the symptoms of malaria
From the moment the person is bitten by the female mosquito it infects the incubation time may vary depending on the species of parasite transmitted. In general they are necessary between seven and 18 days. However, if the infection is caused by Plasmodium malariae the incubation period can be even much longer and even last months, if not years.
As with incubation times, i symptoms may vary based on the type of infecting parasite. Malaria generally appears initially as a common one flu syndrome. The first symptoms may include feversweating, chills, headache and vomiting. These can be accompanied tiredness And general malaise, even with muscle pain and diarrhea. In some cases fever can manifest itself in the form of attacks that occur every 48 hours and can last between 6 and 12 hours, explains the ISS.
How malaria is treated
If after traveling to a country where malaria is present, you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential contact your doctor who will evaluate whether it is appropriate to proceed with the procedure search for the parasite in the blood. The diagnosis is in fact based on a detail laboratory testit blood smearwhich consists of observing a blood sample under a microscope.
If the presence of the parasite is confirmed, further tests follow which identify the exact species. Based on the latter and the severity of the disease we proceed with the therapy. This is based on the assumption of antimalarial drugsthe same ones that are prescribed for preventive purposes in antimalarial prophylaxis. Generally this is strongly recommended before traveling to a country where the disease is widespread. According to data reported by the ISS, although prophylaxis does not completely eliminate the risk of infection, it can reduce it by up to 90%. Before leaving for a risky trip, it is therefore inquire with your doctor to have exact indications on how to protect yourself from the risk of contracting malaria.
