In recent months, various typhoons have brought rain to the country.

Because of this, water has accumulated in drums, canals, discarded tires, and other areas that may serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Many diseases can be acquired from mosquito bites, with dengue being one of them.

In addition, there’s also malaria, a disease that can be fatal.

Did you know that we are commemorating Malaria Awareness Month this November?

Malaria Awareness Month is an important event to raise public awareness about this disease and how to prevent it.

When left untreated, malaria can lead to death.

In 2006, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1168, declaring November as Malaria Awareness Month.

But how exactly is malaria contracted?

Malaria is acquired through the bite of an Anopheles mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite.

This microorganism is often found in the mosquito’s salivary glands and midgut.

Once the parasite enters a person’s body, it attacks the blood and liver, allowing it to evade the body’s immune system, the primary defense against diseases.

This is where malaria differs from the dengue virus.

The dengue virus targets the bone marrow, responsible for producing blood cells, which results in a drop in the patient’s platelet count.

Malaria symptoms usually appear a few days after a mosquito bite and include fever, body aches, dizziness, and chills, and, in severe cases, may cause severe anemia and organ failure, often leading to death.

In fact, in 2023, malaria cases in our country reached 4,777, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).

Due to this, the DOH has launched initiatives like the “National Malaria Control and Elimination Program,” aiming to reduce malaria cases.

This includes the distribution of free medication to patients and establishment of malaria testing sites in remote areas.

Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant against malaria—not just for personal safety, but also for the community.

When experiencing symptoms like fever and body aches, it is crucial to seek immediate medical examination to determine if malaria is present.

**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA