malaria

• what causes malaria

  parasite (protoctists)

  plasmodium transfer (4 different types of plasmodium)

  spread through a vector

  also unclean needles etc
• what are the stages of infection

  female anopheles mosquito

  proboscis injects into the body

  injects anti-coagulent

  feeds on haemoglobin

  ruptures red blood cells
• what are the initial symptoms of malaria

  fever

  ache

  fatigue

  headaches

  (low energy symptoms)
• what happens after plasmodium invades RBCs

  multiplies asexually

  RBC ruptures causing plasmodium to spread

  reaches the liver allowing it to spread across the body
• how many times can you be infected

  there is no limit

  however if you survive an infection for 5 years you are considered immune
• what makes you higher risk

  infants

  under 5

  pregnant

  elderly

  HIV positive (imuno-compromised)
• can you use vaccines

  yes but as there are lots of different strains, mutations and life stages they are difficult to implement
• what is the best way to deal with malaria

  to destroy the vector

  however this comes with many ethical issues
• what are other ways of preventing the spread of malaria

  avoiding being bitten (repellent, long sleeve clothing etc)

  antimalarial drugs (horrible side effects and long dosage period)