Expert Says Untreated Malaria May Lead To Mental Disorder

On Friday, Tobias John, a public health expert warned that if malaria is left untreated, it might lead to Common Mental Disorders (CMDs).

John gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.

He said that the warning was essential due to the different health complications that untreated malaria could lead to.

John said malaria is sensitive to human health considering the series of health complications that are related to the disease and its tendency to weaken human immune system within a short time.

He said if those suffering from malaria knew the implication of the disease on human health, “they will not hesitate to treat the disease; malaria is a life-threatening disease”.

“Malaria can lead to brain damage and seizure when it results to anaemia or blood shortage which affects the functionality of the brain.

“Malaria causes common mental disorder which is associated with improper flow of blood into the brain and when your blood level is low, it cannot move the quantum that is required to the brain for normal functionality.

“Then you know that definitely your coordination will be affected and the brain can begin to react in the opposite direction or in diverse means.

“Once you get to that level be rest assured that it has become complicated and such a person may begin to speak out of point, lose coordination which result to common mental disorder.’’

He further explained that malaria can lead to many other ailments, especially those associated with HIV, Tuberculosis and even COVID-19, which is one of the need to ensure proper prevention and treatment measures.

John said the approach most people take in the treatment of malaria without testing was not ideal as “there are five parasite species that cause malaria in humans”

“Malaria until it is diagnosed, you may not be able to know which parasite is responsible and the specific malaria medication.

“If you want to be specific on what needs to be done to cure malaria, we need to go for a laboratory testing, identify the plasmodium responsible; that will guide the treatment options.

“Once that is done, it reduces the implications that come with malaria,’’ he said.

The also appealed to Nigerians to always take the issue of malaria seriously considering its  health complications on humans.