Malaria and the danger it poses to society by Lamont Broomfield

Description and where its commonly found ● Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the sporozoite parasite. It causes a varity of symptoms. ● It is commonly found in tropical and sub- tropical areas.

Transmission ● The parasite is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitos. Once the parasite is in the blood stream it reproduces in the blood cells.

Symptoms ● Due to the parasite reproducing in blood cells symptoms include but are not limited to: ● Anemia ● Fever ● Jaundice ● (cerebritis) brain infection ● Kidney failure ● Liver failure ● Respiratory failure due to fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) ● Spleen failure due to hemorrhages

Risk factors ● People who are most at risk are those that live or visit areas where malaria can be contracted.

Diagnosing and treatment ● During a physical examination doctors may find and enlarged liver or spleen. A simple CBC (complete blood count) test to check for malaria smears in blood cells can also be used. ● Malaria is a medical emergancy which requires a hospital stay. Chloroquine is used as an anti-malarial drug but parasites can become resistant over time.

Prevention ● Use anti-malarial drugs when visiting risk areas to decrease the chance of infection. ● Wearing protective covering ● Staying away from high risk places

Statistics ● Most deaths due to this disease occurs in young children. ● Often occurs in areas near the equator. ● 3.3 billion people (half the world’s population) live in areas at risk of malaria transmission in 106 countries and territories

Affects disease has on nations ● Developing- people in developing nations may not have the money for medication or basic mosquito nets to prevent infection. ● Developed- people in developed nations do have access to medications and basic prevention items such as repellent or nets. ● Malaria is very costly to treat which is why it is so prevalent in developing nations,

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