Malaria

• What is the main cause of malaria?

  Malaria is caused by a pathogen that is a protist.
• What are the symptoms experienced by individuals with malaria?

  Repeated bouts of fever, which can be fatal.
• What is the life cycle of the malaria pathogen?

  1. Infected person is bitten by a mosquito.
  2. Malaria pathogen enters the mosquito.
  3. Mosquito bites another person, transmitting the pathogen.
• How many deaths does malaria cause each year?

  Over 400,000 deaths every year.
• Why is the mosquito referred to as a vector in the context of malaria?

  Because it carries the malaria pathogen from one person to another.
• What are the two main strategies to prevent the spread of malaria?

  • Stop the mosquito from breeding.
  • Prevent mosquitoes from biting humans.
• What is one effective method to stop mosquitoes from breeding?

  Drain areas of still water.
• How can insecticides be used to combat malaria?

  Spray areas of still water with insecticide to kill mosquitoes.
• What is the purpose of sleeping under a mosquito net?

  To prevent mosquitoes from biting humans.
• What additional measure can enhance the effectiveness of mosquito nets?

  Spray the mosquito net with insecticide.
• How do the methods of preventing mosquito breeding and preventing bites complement each other in reducing malaria spread?

  • Stopping breeding reduces the mosquito population.
  • Preventing bites protects individuals from infection.
  • Together, they significantly lower malaria transmission rates.