What is malaria?
Malaria is a disease of the blood caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. Plasmodium is transmitted from person to person enters a persons body transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
People who are infected with malaria experience flu-like symptoms. If malaria goes untreated it can lead to much more serious problems, even death. Survivors often suffer from brain damage and learning impairments.[1] A person dies from malaria when the parasite destroys the red blood cells by clogging capillaries that carry blood cells to the brain (cerebral malaria) or other vital organs.[2]
What are the symptoms of malaria?
The symptoms of malaria appear 9-14 days after the infected bite. Symptoms include:
· Fever
· Headaches
· Vomiting
· Chills
· Flu-like symptoms
What happens when malaria goes untreated?[3]
· Brain damage
· Coma
· Life-threatening anemia
· Death
Who is most at risk for malaria?
Forty percent of the world’s population is at risk for malaria. 500 million people fall ill to malaria every year, and one to three million people die. Malaria affects most regions of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Malaria is particularly present in some of the world’s poorest countries.[4]
The people who are most at risk for malaria are young children, pregnant mothers, and their unborn babies. These people are most at risk for malaria because their immune systems are often not strong enough to fend off the Plasmodium parasite. In Africa, malaria is the number one cause of death in children under age five.[5]
Why does malaria still exist?
Malaria still exists, particularly in Africa. Africa’s warm climate is suitable for the most deadly strain of malaria. Malaria takes the worst toll on those who do not have the resources to prevent it or treat it. Those most affected by malaria are the rural poor who have the least access to medicines to prevent and treat malaria. They have the least access to clinics and hospitals, and even if they did, they so often have too little money to pay for them. [6]
What are the affects of malaria?
Malaria has huge socio-economic impacts its victims. Malaria perpetuates a cycle of poverty. Africa’s annual economic loss due to malaria is calculated to be 12 billion dollars. Africa’s annual loss in GDP (gross domestic product) is 1.3%. Malaria takes a huge economic toll on the people it affects. Treatment is expensive for families who already can afford very little. Malaria interferes with people’s ability to work, especially those who work as farmers. Funerals and burials can be expensive and time for families as well.[7]
How is malaria prevented?
The aim of malaria prevention is to reduce the number and the rate of malaria infections. Everyday precautions such as disposing of materials that attract mosquitoes, closing doors and windows before night, and burning logs, cow dung, and plants can reduce the risk of malaria. In addition there are two methods that reduce malaria more significantly: Long Acting Insecticide by Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long Lasting Insectidal News (LLINs).
Why are nets the best form of prevention?
There are significant reasons why malaria nets are the best form of malaria preventions. Parasites are developing resistance to many insecticides. In addition, they are also becoming immune to the most common and safest malaria medicines (chloroquine and fansidar.) Fake antimalarial drugs also filter into needy countries and are purchased by unsuspecting families.[8] Malaria nets are inexpensive, only about ten U.S. dollars per net. Three children can share a net. Even sleeping in the same room as an insecticide treated net reduces a person’s risk of malaria.
[1] “The Disease.” Malaria No More. 2008. 2 Jan. 2008. <http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
[2] “The Disease.” Malaria No More. 2008. 2 Jan. 2008. <http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
[3] Kyu-Young Lee. “Fighting Malaria in Uganda.” 2007. 2 Jan. 2008.
<http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
[4] “Malaria.” World Health Organization. 2008. 31 Dec. 2007. <http://www.who.int/topics/malaria/en/>.
[5] “The Disease.” Malaria No More. 2008. 8 Jan 2008. <http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
[6] “The Disease.” Malaria No More. 2008. 8 Jan 2008. <http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
[7] “The Disease.” Malaria No More. 2008. 8 Jan 2008. <http://www.slate.com/id/2164896/>.
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