malaria
an infectious disease caused by the presence of minute parasitic organisms of the genus Plasmodium in the BLOOD . The disease is characterized by recurrent bouts of FEVER and ANAEMIA , the interval between the attacks depending upon the species. The parasite is transmitted to humans by the Anopheles mosquito (common in subtropical and tropical regions) being present in the SALIVARY GLANDS and passed into the bloodstream of a person when the insect bites. Similarly, the parasite is ingested by the mosquito when it takes a blood meal from an infected person. Efforts to control malaria have centred on destruction of the mosquito and its breeding sites. Once they have been injected into the blood, the organisms concentrate in the LIVER , where they multiply, and then re-enter the bloodstream destroying red blood cells ( ERYTHROCYTES ). This releases the parasites, causing shivering, fever, sweating and anaemia. The process is then repeated, with hours or days between attacks. Drugs are used both to prevent infection, although these may not be totally effective, and to cure the disease once present.
Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite. You get it when an infected mosquito bites you. Malaria is a major cause of death worldwide, but it is almost wiped out in the United States. The disease is mostly a problem in developing countries with warm climates. If you travel to these countries, you are at risk. There are four different types of malaria caused by four related parasites. The most deadly type occurs in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
Malaria symptoms include chills, flu-like symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. A blood test can diagnose it. It can be life-threatening. However, you can treat malaria with drugs. The type of drug depends on which kind of malaria you have and where you were infected.
Malaria can be prevented. When traveling to areas where malaria is found:
- See your doctor for medicines that protect you
- Wear insect repellent with DEET
- Cover up
- Sleep under mosquito netting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
malaria