Panama bark fever, also known as Panama disease or banana fever, is a tropical infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This illness is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry and transfer the parasite to humans.
Symptoms of Panama bark fever typically manifest within 7 to 14 days after infection and usually include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, the disease can progress to severe complications, including organ failure, anemia, and even death.
The name "Panama bark fever" is derived from the association of the disease with the construction of the Panama Canal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The illness was prevalent among workers on the canal due to the abundant mosquito population in the region.
Treatment for Panama bark fever usually involves antimalarial medications to target the Plasmodium parasite and relieve symptoms. Various drugs, such as chloroquine, mefloquine, and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), may be prescribed based on the specific strain of the parasite and the geographical region where the infection occurred.
Prevention of Panama bark fever primarily relies on avoiding mosquito bites through the use of insect repellents, protective clothing, and bed nets. Additionally, eliminating mosquito breeding sites by draining stagnant water and implementing mosquito control measures can contribute to reducing the transmission of the disease.
