BY BRANDON RIEFF, 6TH PERIOD

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan called "Plasmodium."
• The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.
• Malaria is abundant in tropical regions with stagnant water, warm climate and rainfall.
• Malaria negatively affects millions of people in poverty stricken countries.
• Areas affected: Africa, Lower Mexico, Asia, and South America

CAUSES AND SPREAD

• The protists that produce malaria are spread through mosquitoes
• Mosquitoes spit them malaria pathogen into the bloodstream when blood is drawn
• Malaria attacks the liver first, then the red bloods cells
• Certain strains of malaria have evolved to become resistant to anti malarial drugs
• Malaria is harvested in the mosquito larvae

TREATMENT & PREVENTION

• Mosquito nets are some of the most effective ways to prevent people from contracting malaria
• Nets laced with insecticide repel the mosquitoes
• Medication such as artemisinins and amodiaquine treat malaria
• Fever medication can be used to treat the feverish symptoms of malaria
• Medications vary based on the stage of malaria

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Malaria has been around for 50,000 to 100,000 years
• In 2006, the campaign 'Malaria No More' was founded
• It's goal is to end malaria completely by 2015
• Malaria can results in enlargement of the spleen