malaria
TRANSCRIPT
Malaria is considered an infectious disease because it can be transmitted
from one person to another, via the bite of an infected mosquito. Since the
parasite that causes malaria is passed through the blood, it can also be
transmitted via organ transplant, blood transfusion, or via pregnancy (so-called
“congenital” malaria).
Infectious Or NonInfectious
Africa: Malaria is very common in SubSaharan Africa. The predominant species is Plasmodium falciparum.
Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous of the four species of human malaria. Malaria causes an estimated 2.7 million deaths per year, with most of these deaths
occurring in Africa. Ninety percent of the world's malaria cases occur in Africa. Chloroquine resistance is
widespread in Africa Asia: Malaria is widespread in numerous countries in Asia
and Oceania, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Papua New Guinea.
Where does malaria commonly occur
South America: Malaria occurs at altitudes below 1000 m in portions of countries in South
America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname,
French Guiana Central America and Southern Mexico: Malaria
occurs in low-altitude areas of the countries of Central America including Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Limited numbers of cases occur
in Panama, Costa Rica, and southern Mexico Caribbean: Malaria remains eliminated from
several countries of the Caribbean. However, malaria [P. falciparum] occurs in Haiti and in limited numbers of cases in the Dominican
Republic. Europe: Malaria [Plasmodium vivax] occurs in
Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. North America: Malaria eradication programmes
during the 1940s and 1950s, along with widespread use of screening, eliminated malaria
from this region, and there is no year-to-year local transmission.
fever, which may come and go, or may be constant
chills profuse sweating malaise (feeling
of unwellness) muscle and joint
pain headache confusion nausea loss of appetite diarrhoea abdominal pain cough anemia.
Malaria Symptoms
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals
caused by parasitic protozoans (a type of single cell microorganism) of the
Plasmodium
What causes Malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. There are 5 species of Plasmodium which infect humans:
Plasmodium vivax Plasmodium falciparum Plasmodium malariae Plasmodium ovale Plasmodium knowlesi which is less
common.Transmission
Malaria is spread by vectors. A vector is a carrier In malaria a mosquito serves as the vector that carries and transfers the infectious agent (Plasmodium), injecting it with a bite.
Malaria is treated with a class of drugs called antimalarial. Antimalarial drugs are designed to attack the parasites that cause malaria, preventing them from spreading while also killing them off so they cant continue causing infection.
How can malaria be treated
In countries where malaria is common, prevention also involves keeping
mosquitoes away from humans. Strategies include:
Spraying your home. Treating your home's walls with insecticide can help kill adult
mosquitoes that come inside. Sleeping under a net. Bed nets,
particularly those treated with insecticide, are especially recommended for pregnant
women and young children. Covering your skin. During active mosquito
times, usually from dusk to dawn, wear pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Spraying clothing and skin. Sprays containing permethrin are safe to use on
clothing, while sprays containing DEET can be used on skin.
Prevention
