Malaria

What is malaria? 300-500 3.4 billion 627,000 90% A life threatening disease in the blood that is causes by a parasite transmitted into the body by the Anopheles mosquito. 300-500 Are diagnosed with malaria each year 3.4 billion 627,000 90% People are at risk of getting malaria People died from malaria in 2012 Of malaria deaths occur in Africa

Traveling to these countries? You may be at risk of getting malaria Approximately half of the worlds population is at risk of getting Malaria. Malaria occurs in many parts of the tropical world and in some parts of the subtropics. Malaria is most common between the latitudes of 23.5 degrees north (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5 degrees south (Tropic of Capricorn). Malaria can also occur out of these areas. Malaria is very common in Africa.

How can someone become infected with malaria? You can be infected by Malaria by being bitten by a Malaria carrying mosquitoes. However not all mosquitoes carry malaria, only the ones of the Anopheles genus do. Mainly the Anopheles gambiae. The organism that causes malaria is the Plasmodium parasite. There are four types of Malaria parasites but the one that’s accountable for most accounts of malaria is the Plasmodium falciparum.

What are the side effects of malaria? Headaches Symptoms of Malaria usually occur around 10-15 days after being bitten. You may get a server case of Malaria. This is called Falciparum malaria. If untreated this can cause severe illness. This may include seizures, breathing problems, mental confusion , kidney failure, comas and even death. Fever Chills and sweating Fatigue and pain Dry cough Enlargement of the spleen Vomiting & nausea Back pain

How can Malaria be prevented? Malaria kills nearly one million people every year although Malaria is both preventable and. Some of the main methods of prevention are: Insecticide-treated bed nets. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite at night. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets can be a life saver. Treating women during pregnancy. When woman are pregnant they have a lower immunity. Taking anti-malarials during the pregnancy can protect both mother and child. Education. One very important part of preventing malaria and malaria deaths is by educating people about Malaria. This includes teaching people how to use nets properly to avoid being bitten, awareness of the symptoms, how to get treatment, the importance of getting treatment quickly

BED NETS BY travelling to the countries listed before you are putting your family in risk of Malaria. The most effective way of preventing Malaria is sleeping under a long lasting insecticide treated bed net. These nets acts in two ways. Mosquitoes that carry malaria usually bite at night to dawn. So it is crucial that you protect yourself when sleeping. Young children under 5 are the most at risk of malaria it is very important that they sleep under the bed net. They provide a mechanical barrier that stops the mosquito getting to a person. They also work as a mechanism for killing the mosquito. When a mosquito lands on a net it picks up insecticide on its legs. This causes a 'knock down' - the mosquito is killed . These bed nets can cost around $5. Buying a net before you leave can save you or your child's life.

There are 3 types of mosquito nets: 1. The self supported net 2. Rectangular nets 3. Slanted/ pyramid nets Tips Make sure to use mosquito repellent over your exposed body areas this will give you extra protection from being bitten. The mosquitoes may still detect you when inside the net, especially if your sleeping without a fan on. They may wait near the net to bite you the moment you wake up and leave the net. Always check your netting for holes or tears before setting them up. You should patch any holes with canvas or other durable cloth. Just in case. It is important to read the instructions on the net to make sure you apply it properly .

What you need to know about mosquito nets. It is very important that nets cover beds fully and they must be firmly tucked in on all sides. Any mosquitos inside must be removed before sleeping Any tears or holes in your net must be mended or the net replaced. Nets may restrict air flow. In tropical countries this may make it quite uncomfortable to breathe. But it is important to keep the net over your bed when sleeping.

People in need. Many children and families that life in places such has Africa are at risk of getting Malaria. Many families can not afford bed nets therefor this may lead to their child or themselves getting malaria. Malaria kills 3000 children a day. Every 60 seconds a child dies from Malaria

How you can help By sending a net to people in need you can save life's. There are many websites you can go on to send bed nets to people in need. For just $10 you can protect a family and save a life. Websites such as www.nothingbutnets.net have helped so many families in Africa sleep safe at night. So far 7,000,000 nets have been sent to Africa and saved so many lives. And you can help save more. You can send a net or donate on these websites: www.nothingbutnets.net , http://www.developafrica.org/ , http://www.againstmalaria.com/ and http://www.malarianomore.org/