Malaria
Image: Anopheles Mosquito Sucking Blood
Malaria is a parasitic disease that is caused by the transmission of the parasite Plasmodium through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. There are several different species of Plasmodium, however, there are only four species that cause malaria in humans. They are:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium malariae
- Plasmodium ovale
How is Malaria Spread?
Image: The Transmission Cycle of Malaria
Malaria is spread exclusively by the Anopheles mosquito. Also known as "malaria vectors", Anopheles mosquitoes tend to bite during dawn and dusk. When the mosquito bites the human, after sucking up its fill of blood, it inserts its' saliva into the bite. This acts as an anti-cogulant. If the mosquito has bitten a person with malaria previously, one of the several species of the parasite Plasmodium can be found in its saliva. The point in time when the mosquito's saliva is injected into the human's blood is when the parasite has been transmitted. Plasmodium enters the host's circulatory system and makes its way to the host's liver, where it releases another form, called merozoites. These merozoites re-enter the bloodstream and invade the red blood cells. The process of reproduction and multiplication begins inside of the red blood cells and eventually, over-filled with the parasites, the red blood cells burst. This happens anytime between 48 to 72 hours after being bitten. The first symptoms begin to appear anywhere between 10 days to 4 weeks after initial infection. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, heachaches, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting. In addition to being transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito, malaria can also be passed down to an unborn child through the mother. Malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusions.
Who is at Risk of Contracting Malaria?
Image: A Young African Child Infected with Malaria
According the the World Health Organization, there are several groups of people that are a higher risk of contracting malaria. These groups are:
It is estimated that around half of the world's population is at risk of contracting malaria, but due to the wealthier being able to afford protection and treatment, the poor are most vulnerable. Most malaria cases and malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
- young children
- non-immune pregnant women
- semi-immune pregnant women
- semi-immune HIV infected pregnant women
- people infected with HIV/AIDS
It is estimated that around half of the world's population is at risk of contracting malaria, but due to the wealthier being able to afford protection and treatment, the poor are most vulnerable. Most malaria cases and malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
Slideshow
Credits to: World Health Organization
Why is Malaria Prevalent in Developing Countries?
Image: Malaria-Endemic Countries
Even though there have been dramatic advancements in the fight against malaria, many people are still falling victim to this easily preventable disease, with the poor being the most vulnerable to malaria. Malaria is prevalent in developing countries because it is these countries that don't have the means to access or afford protection. Another reason as to why malaria is prevalent is more common in less economically developed countries (LEDCs) is due to a lack of education. Mosquitoes breed in still waters, and when water is collected, it is usually kept in a container of some sort and left there until needed. This gives mosquitoes the ideal location to breed. As there is a general lack of knowledge about the breeding habits of the Anopheles mosquito, people keep on committing the same mistakes that give way to a higher population of mosquitoes, and thus increases the risk of contracting malaria.
Malaria is prevalent in developing countries also because of the geography and climate of the majority of LEDCs. Most developing countries are found in Asia and Africa, and these continents, for the most part, have tropical and warm climates with lots of humidity. Mosquitoes breed faster in warmer climates, because of this, they are usually found in warm climates. Also, mosquitoes need water in order to lay their eggs, and humid climates provide ample amounts of water for them to do so.
Malaria is prevalent in developing countries also because of the geography and climate of the majority of LEDCs. Most developing countries are found in Asia and Africa, and these continents, for the most part, have tropical and warm climates with lots of humidity. Mosquitoes breed faster in warmer climates, because of this, they are usually found in warm climates. Also, mosquitoes need water in order to lay their eggs, and humid climates provide ample amounts of water for them to do so.
How can Malaria be Prevented?
Image: Insecticide Treated Mosquito Net (ITN) in Use in Africa
Malaria is one disease that can be very easily prevented, regardless of financial status. The first step to eradicating malaria is to promote greater awareness of the disease and how it can be prevented. People need to know that something as simple as not keeping any stagnant water can help to save lives. Another step that needs to be taken is to make insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) more available to the poor. The Anopheles mosquito is mainly active during dawn, dusk, and the night in-between, times where many people are asleep. If a family has access to ITNs, the risk of getting bitten by a mosquito carrying malaria will decrease dramatically. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is also another step that can be taken to prevent malaria. Indoor spraying can protect a house for up to 6 months, while spraying with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) can ward off mosquitoes for up to 9 months, making IRS a very effective way to get rid of the Anopheles and other species of mosquitoes.
Photo Credits:
"10 Facts on Malaria." WHO. Web. 27 Dec. 2012. <http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/malaria/malaria_facts/en/index9.html>. Anopheles Mosquito Sucking Blood. Digital image. Web. <http://www.bimcbali.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/malaria.jpg>. "Malaria-Endemic Countries." Map. CDC. Web. <http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/images/map3-10-malaria-endemic-countries-eastern-hemisphere-large.png>. Man Suffering From Malaria. Digital image. Web. <http://www.overdose.am/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Man-suffering-from-malaria1.jpg>. Transmission Cycle of Malaria. Digital image. Web. <https://ufandshands.org/sites/default/files/graphics/images/en/17248.jpg>. Use of ITN in Africa. Digital image. Web. <http://www.africasti.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/icon-mosquito-net1.jpg>. Young African Child with Malaria. Digital image. Doctors Without Borders. Web. <http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/publications/topten/2009/assets/images/photos/aids/51833.jpg>. |