Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, and is spread by the Anopheles mosquito. The four species of Plasmodium that can infect humans are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. The mosquito is the vector (carrier) and the human is the host (food source).
The malaria parasite requires both humans and mosquitoes in order to complete its lifecycle. An infected mosquito bites someone, passing the Plasmodium parasite into his or her body, which then makes its way into the liver. In the liver the parasite reproduces rapidly, after which multiple versions of it are released into the blood stream.
The Plasmodium parasites then invade the red blood cells and reproduce further. The infected red blood cells eventually burst, releasing gametocytes (male and female cells) into the blood stream, ready to be taken up by the next mosquito that bites. The gametocytes fertilise each other in the mosquito's gut, and are then transferred into the next person the mosquito bites.
Malaria is a huge health problem, with around 500 million cases occurring worldwide every year. Of these, over one million people die (mostly young children in Sub-Saharan Africa).
Many travellers contract malaria when visiting countries where the disease is present, and do not show symptoms until after they return home. Malaria symptoms include a flu-like illness and fever (among others), but if infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the effects can be far more serious and even fatal if medical treatment is not sought.
As it is mosquitoes that transmit malaria to humans, it is sensible to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. These include using a good mosquito repellent, sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net, fitting insect window and door screens, and using insect room sprays, plug in mosquito killers and mosquito smoke coils.
It may also be advisable to take anti-malarial medicine (malaria prophylaxis), such as chloroquine, for additional protection if you are visiting a malarial area. Your doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic is able to advise on suitable medication. Some anti-malarial tablets can only be obtained on prescription, whereas others can be bought over the counter.
Parts of the world where malaria is prevalent include areas of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
Malaria is curable with the appropriate malaria treatment.
