Malaria

=**Malaria**= Rachel Tsao 9.2

Malaria does not have a scientific name. However, the organism which causes this diease is the genus of Plasmodium, or otherwise known as Protozoan Plasmodium.

Malaria is a parasite infection transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites travel through the bloodstream, multiplies in the liver and eventually enter the red blood cells. These mosquitoes can transmit malaria from a previous blood meal taken on an infected person. This can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, and the shared use of needles with contaminated blood. It can also be passed on from a mother to her unborn infant or during delivery. There are 4 varieties of malaria, Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium Ovale, Plasmodium Malariae, and the most life-threatening type, Plasmodium Flaciparum.
 * Cause and Transmission :**

Symptoms of malaria vary in different parts of the body, including the central brain, skin, respiratory; muscular; spinal and digestive systems. These parts possess the symptoms of:
 * Symptoms:**

- Headaches - Coma - Chills - Sweating - Jaundice - Fever - Dry coughs - Muscle pain - Convulsion - Back pain - Nausea - Vomiting

The first cycle of symptoms usually occur 4 weeks after the infection, however, it can appear as early as 7 days, or as long as a year. These symptoms last approximately 48 to 72 hours.

However, if the person is infected with severe Plasmodium Falciparum, it may develop kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, and eventually death.

Even though malaria is a deadly disease, contributing to many deaths worldwide, it can be cured it diagnosed in the earlier stages. It can be treated in a variety of ways, including an infusion of the qinghao plant that was found 2000 years ago in China; the bitter bark from the cinchona tree that was used in Peru during the 15th century; and quinine, an active ingredient used over the centuries that most effectively helps severe malaria, due to many sign-effects, including diarrhea and nausea. However, cholroquine is an anti-malarial drug that helps the treatment of malaria.
 * Cures, treatment:**

Nevertheless, prevention is key especially in the case of malaria.
 * anti-malarial drugs (especially when travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent)
 * mosquito nets can reduce the chances of receiving bites
 * wearing insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing when at outdoors
 * spraying insecticides

Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central South America - Every year, there are approximately 250 million malaria cases worldwide, and 1 million deaths. - Around 3.3 billion people (half of world's population) are at risk of malaria. - In Africa, 1 child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. - Each year, around 1 million Canadians travel to malaria-endemic areas. This results in 350-1000 annual cases of malaria in Canada.
 * Additional Information:**
 * Where is malaria prevalent?**
 * Statistical Facts:**

//If interested in this topic, you should check the video attached below:// media type="youtube" key="IVbq2yQH52g" height="345" width="420"

[|Heath Dieases. (2011) Malaria - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. Retrieved on 17/8/11 from] [|__http://www.health-diseases.org/diseases/malaria.htm__]
 * References:**

Keith, K. (2005) Malaria Control. Retrieved on 17/8/11 from [|__http://www.malariacontrol.net/forum_thread.php?id=6__]

Klein, J. (2009) Malaria. Retrieved on 18/8/11 from []

Malaria.com. (2011) Malaria Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved on 17/8/11 from [|__http://www.malaria.com/overview/malaria-symptoms-causes__]

MediResource Inc. (2011) Malaria. Retrieved on 17/8/11 from [|__http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=85&channel_id=1020&relation_id=70907__]

Perlin, D. (2002) Malaria: A Frustating Yet Curable Disease. Retrieved on 18/8/11 from []

Sabo, E. (2011) Malaria. Retrieved on 17/8/11 from [|__http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/malaria/overview.html__]

Schoenstadt, A. (2011) Malaria Cure. Retrieved on 18/8/11 from []

Wikipedia. (2011) Malaria. Retreieved on 17/8/11 from [|__http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria__]