The story of a patient with falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite

While visiting a modest clinic near Memot, a rural area of Cambodia, we came across a patient who tested positive for the disease.

Por:Eulimar Núñez

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His name is Po Them, he’s 29 years old and works in a plantation. His brother brought him to this clinic, located in a rural area of Cambodia. The reason? Po Them started showing the same symptoms that he’d suffered when he was diagnosed with malaria a month earlier.

Eulimar Núñez

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In this small house that serves as a clinic (located about two hours from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia) they see far fewer cases of malaria than they used to. But if they suspect a patient has the disease, they perform a diagnostic test.

Eulimar Núñez

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After taking out some blood, the doctor carefully observes it under the microscope.

Eulimar Núñez

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The quick diagnostic test only indicates whether the patient has the disease, but does not show how advanced it is. In this case, it was positive and proved to be the most dangerous malaria parasite: falciparum (which kills if left untreated).

Eulimar Núñez

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"I felt dizzy. When I realized I had a fever, I bought cold medicine. I did not know that treatment for malaria was offered here."

Eulimar Núñez

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The doctor explained to Po Them the treatment he’d receive, one that has been approved by the Cambodian health ministry. It lasts several days, but reports show that many patients end their treatment early, as soon as they start to feel better.

Eulimar Núñez

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When he was first diagnosed, Po Them took a seven-day herbal treatment. He had never seen the drugs his doctor now recommended. That could explain why the malaria came back: the parasite never died.

Eulimar Núñez

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As a farmworker, Po Them sometimes makes money and sometimes doesn’t. Most of his coworkers at the plantation have been infected with malaria at least once.

Eulimar Núñez

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Experts say the key to eliminating malaria is making sure people don’t have symptoms for more than 24 hours.

Eulimar Núñez

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It’s not all bad news: the incidence of malaria in the area where Po Them lives and works has decreased, not only because of mosquito nets and repellents but also because of new education programs.

Eulimar Núñez

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The doctor and nurse of this humble health center are husband and wife. They say the tools they have to eliminate malaria are useful but not sufficient.

Eulimar Núñez