Malaria

What is Malaria?

• Malaria is caused by a parasite of the group Plasmodium

• There are five separate parasites in the group that can cause Malaria
• It is mosquito borne
 Signs and Symptoms
• The symptoms of Malaria are very similar to the flu, such as; fever, diarrhea,
headache, sweats/chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle or stomach pain.
• These symptoms usually appear one to four weeks after infection, but can take up to a
year depending on the type of parasite.
• If untreated Malaria can also cause; coma, seizures, respiratory failure, or renal
failure.
 Transmission

• This disease is typically caused by the bite of female mosquitos.

• Less commonly however it may be transmitted from mother to baby, through blood
transfusions, or by the sharing of needles.
 Prevention and Treatment
• There is no vaccination for Malaria but it can be prevented by taking anti-malarial
drugs and avoiding mosquito bites.
• Malaria is also treated through taking anti-malarial drugs, and if caught early almost
all cases can be fully cured.
 Who’s At Risk?
• Your risk of getting Malaria increases if you are visiting; Africa, Oceania, South Asia,
South America, Caribbean, Central America, or Mexico.
• The risk also increases in rural/remote areas, rainy seasons, outdoor exposure, or in
longer periods away.
• Those at most risk for serious illness and complications include pregnant women,
young children, or those having a weak immune system.
 Current Statistics
• Globally there were an estimated 247 million in 2021, an increase from the 245
million in 2020.
• 18 countries account for 80% of the total cases.
 Picture Citations (In Order)

• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/malaria
• https://phys.org/news/2013-12-scientists-chemical-modification-human-
malaria.amp
• https://www.rph.org.nz/public-health-topics/illness-and-disease/influenza/
influenza-caring-for-someone-with-flu/
• https://www.issuesonline.co.uk/articles/what-is-malaria
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(09)70158-6/
fulltext
• https://www.gs.international/learning-centre-articles/malaria-world-map-risk
• https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-
report-2022/social-media-tiles
 Informational Citations

• https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-
report-2022
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/malaria.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html