![]() ![]() The Anopheles mosquito acts as a vector for the malaria parasite, carrying the parasite from host to host.These mosquitos most commonly bite between dusk and dawn.Malaria is transmitted via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito.Image credit: Genome Research Limited How is malaria transmitted? (Data source: WHO World Malaria Report, 2014) Plasmodium falciparum causes the most serious, life-threatening infections in humans.Ī map to show the distribution of malaria around the world.Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most common types of malaria parasite that infect humans. ![]() There are six different species of malaria parasite that cause malaria in humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, Plasmodium malariae and the very rare Plasmodium knowlesi.There are more than 100 kinds of Plasmodium that can infect many animal species such as reptiles, birds and mammals.However, death rates have fallen globally by 47% since 2000 ( WHO).Around 95% of deaths are in children under the age of five living in Sub-Saharan Africa.It is estimated that there were 198 million cases of malaria in 2013 and 584,000 deaths.However, with the right treatment, started early enough, it can be cured. If not detected and treated promptly, malaria can be fatal.Malaria is predominantly found in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa, South America and Asia.The parasite that causes malaria is a microscopic, single-celled organism called Plasmodium.Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. ![]() The CDC recommends using insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito screens on windows and doors and getting rid of items in which water can collect where mosquitoes could lay their eggs. The best way to protect yourself from malaria is by preventing mosquito bites. If untreated, malaria can progress to become a severe disease, leading to complications including seizures, kidney failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, coma and potentially death. Read More: The World’s First Malaria Vaccine-and What it Means for the Future of Pandemic Response What happens if Malaria is left untreated? Treatment includes taking antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine or atovaquone and proguanil, depending on where the infection was thought to have originated. The CDC says patients suspected to have malaria should undergo blood tests and rapid diagnostic tests where available. In rare cases, the disease can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby, through blood transfusions or from sharing needles. The vast majority of the world’s 240 million annual cases are spread by the bite of an infected female mosquito. Symptoms typically begin between 10 days and four weeks after infection, although they can manifest up to a year later. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Here’s what to look out for: What are the symptoms of malaria? ![]()
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