Malaria

=__ **Mila's Malaria** __= ===[|Malaria]is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. It is contracted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. In 2010, an estimated [|216 million]cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 655,000 people died, most (91%) in the African Region. When infected with this disease you will experience flu-like symptoms. In some areas of the world mosquitoes that carry malaria have developed resistance to [|insecticides] and even some antibiotics. This causes complications and makes it harder to control the disease.===

**How does one contract this disease?**
You must be bit by the infected mosquito that contacted the parasite by biting another human or animal that had been infected. Once the person has been bitten by the infected mosquito the parasite multiplies in the liver and changes to be able to infect the next mosquito that bites the infected human. From the liver the parasite enters the bloodstream and infects red blood cells. The parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which then break open within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red blood cells. It is a deadly cycle. Malaria can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy and by blood transfusions.

**Interesting facts:**

 * In some parts of the world where Malaria is common, such as Africa and Southeast Asia, there are people whom have developed immunity to malaria. They have immunity due to having the [|sickle cell gene]
 * Up to 1 million Canadians travel to malaria-endemic areas. This results in 350 to 1,000 annual cases of malaria in Canada
 * It is widespread in tropical regions
 * There are 4 types of common malaria parasites all which are closely related. Recently another type, falciparum malaria, has been found that affects more red blood cells than the other types and is much more serious. It can be fatal within a few hours of the first symptoms
 * 60% of deaths due to malaria are in young children under the age of five
 * Ninety percent of malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa

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With the drug Chloroquine, it enters the red blood cell, inhabiting parasite cell, and digestive vacuole by simple diffusion. It basically stops the cycle and process of the blood cells breaking open and spreading further within the body. In the end, the parasite cell drowns in its own metabolic products.======

**Essential information:**
The name of the organism that causes the disease? Parasitic //Plasmodium//species, mosquitoes that carry //Plasmodium// parasite What kind of organism is it? It is a single-celled parasitic disease that multiples in red blood cells. The effects of the disease? Fever, headache, and vomiting. In severe cases where the Malaria is not treated it can result in coma or even death because it disrupts the blood supply to vital organs. Symptoms occur 10 days to 4 weeks after infection and occur in cycles of 48 to 72 hours. What treatment is there for the disease? Uncomplicated malaria is treated with oral drugs. Until recently quinine was used as a treatment for Malaria but due to the many side effects such as cinchonism chloroquineis used. Although it is still used in severe cases of [|Malaria]and in chloroquine-resistant infections. The drug Artesunate is also used to treat malaria. It must be taken with another antimalarial drug to prevent resistance. How is it transmitted? Five species of malaria can infect and be transmitted by humans. In most cases it is contracted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. How to prevent the disease? Mosquito nets, Mosquito laser, antimalarial medication such as Chloroquine, and insect repellents. A completely effective vaccine is not yet available for malaria.