If a person develops symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, or fatigue, there’s a chance that malaria could actually do its evil thing in the body. Malaria is often spread by mosquitoes, those little insects that many of us neglect, unfortunately.
Malaria kills between 1 to 3 million people worldwide every year. Therefore, finding more medical ways of tackling the disease can always be beneficial.
New malaria drug receives approval in Australia
According to Physician’s Weekly, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) announced the approval of the Kozenis (tafenoquine) drug for treating malaria in children. But the drug is made for a specific type of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. Children are significantly at higher risk than adults to get infected with the disease.
David Reddy, M.D., and CEO of MMV explained:
We are proud to have worked with GSK to develop this child-friendly treatment and are thrilled by today’s announcement. P. vivax malaria is particularly dangerous for young children for whom repeated relapses can lead to cumulative severe anemia and, in some cases, be fatal,
Today, we have a tool to put a stop to the relentless relapse both for adults and children — we are one step closer to defeating this disease.
Malaria, in general, is thought to breed mostly across warmer climates. An abundance of rain and humidity will favor the breed of the disease. The disease is also known to exist in 103 countries across the world, and it can even pass from one person to another.
Malaria can be found the most in parts of Southeast Asia, as well as Africa. Some even believe that malaria should be considered a pandemic, along with tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS.