''Fever'' and ''Malaria'':2 Words Most Africans and Cameroonians in Particular Use Wrongly

Malaria has been one of the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Its most common symptoms include fever, headaches, and joint pains. 

It is common to hear persons say ''I am sick of fever'' when what they actually intended to say was '' I am sick of malaria''

Fever is not a disease, it is simply a symptom of my diseases( parasitic, bacterial, fungal or viral). The body actually uses FEVER (febrile response) as a defense mechanism, when trying to fight invading pathogens(germs).

Fever also known as pyrexia can be technically defined as any body temperature >37.2°C. Fever may or may not be accompanied with shivering or chills.
One of the main causes of fever in Africa is malaria. Malaria  is a disease caused by the Parasite called Plasmodium. It is transmitted through bites from an infected female anopheles mosquito.
In Cameroon, many persons in the communities use the Words ''Fever'' and ''Malaria'' to mean the same thing. This is probably due to the fact that during malaria therapy, antipyretic drugs(drugs use to treat fever) are associated with antimalarial drugs. A lay person trying to practice auto-medication will like ready the labels on a drug such as PARACETAMOL, used to treat fever and pains, and presume that this drug will treat malaria, since the disease manifest itself with the similar symptoms. 
This misconception and misinterpretation of medical terminologies is very fatal as it can and has been claiming the lives of many. I think it would be of great importance if the health sector in Cameroon and Africa could organize sensitization campaigns on this public health problem.

To You reading this article, it would be important to note the following;

•  Malaria is NOT the same as Fever. Fever is just one of the most common symptoms of malaria. 
• Taking drugs to calm down a fever( e.g Paracetamol) when you actually suffering from malaria will not treat the malaria and can likely lead to severe malaria which is a life threatening condition.

• Climate change is not the actual cause of malaria as many lay persons will say. Malaria is caused by the parasite called Plasmodium and it is transmitted through bites of an infected female anopheles mosquito.

• Sleeping under protected mosquito nets is one of the most effective ways in preventing malaria.
• Malaria prophylactic drugs such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is used to prevent malaria in pregnancy which can be very fatal for both mother and baby.

STAY CONNECTED FOR MORE ARTICLES ABOUT HEALTH   !!!