QUESTION: Hello, I have had malaria four times in Papua New Guinea, the last time was the "brain" type - sorry don't know the name. The other times were 'regular' malaria. I have been free of it for 21 years now; could it still recur in me? thanks, Jay ANSWER: Hi Jay, thanks for your question. The “brain” type you are referring to is probably Plasmodium falciparum, which is known for … [Read more...]
Cases and Deaths of Malaria in the USA, 2005-2010
QUESTION: Where can I find a list of reported cases and deaths from Malaria in the USA, 2005-2010? I understand that most cases were acquired outside the US and the remaining were transmitted via blood transfusions. But I can not find a source for the data. Tom Yerg ANSWER: We found statistics for the years 2005-2009. The number of reported cases in the United States, according to the … [Read more...]
How do mosquitoes cause malaria?
QUESTION: How can the mosquito cause malaria? ANSWER: Actually, mosquitoes don't cause malaria themselves, they just transmit it from one person to another! The disease is actually caused by a tiny parasite, of the genus Plasmodium, several species of which infect humans. Part of the parasite's life cycle takes place in the human host, and the other part in the mosquito; it needs to go … [Read more...]
Having Malaria after being tested negative
QUESTION: In April 2010 I was in India, had symptoms of malaria, had blood work done, platelets low but rapid antigen and smear were negative. One year later, May 2011, had low platelet count, chills, no fever or fever spikes. Could this be malaria again even though I was tested negative. ANSWER: This response is courtesy of Dr Jaya Swarup Mohanty, a physician in India: Malaria doesn't … [Read more...]
Is there malaria in North America?
QUESTION: Are there malaria-infected mosquitoes in North America? ANSWER: North America is usually defined as including Canada, the United States and Mexico. Of these, Mexico has known regions of regular malaria transmission; specifically the regions bordering Guatemala and Belize in the south (Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Tabasco), rural areas in the tropical lowlands slightly further north … [Read more...]
Causes of malaria, treatment with drugs and emerging resistance
QUESTION: What is malaria and what causes it besides bacteria? What is the name of the causal agent for malaria, which drug is used to cure it and how do the pathogens become resistant to the drugs? ANSWER: There are many questions in there! Malaria is actually caused by a single-celled animal, called a protozoan; it's not a bacterial disease. There are different species of these … [Read more...]
Malaria effects on body’s digestive system
QUESTION: How does Malaria affect the digestive system? ANSWER: Malaria does not usually affect the digestive system directly, although nausea and abdominal pain can be symptoms of the disease, usually due to the high fevers caused by the infection. Having said that, some of the drugs given as treatment or prevention of malaria are also known to have gastrointestinal side effects; both … [Read more...]
Are there dietary restrictions for malaria?
QUESTION: What are the dietary restrictions of malaria? ANSWER: There are no dietary restrictions, as such, when infected with malaria. A person who is suffering from malaria will have high fevers and potentially nausea, which might decrease the appetite—it is crucially important to try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and trying to eat when possible. Certain drinks, such as … [Read more...]
Do I have malaria?
QUESTION: Hi, I went to Ivory Coast August/2003 back March/2004, took some pills to help prevent Malaria on my trip but ran out and did not get more. While I was there I got many mosquito bites. Around October/03 became very sick, got tested for malaria at the hospital in Quebec but negative. Now May/2011 still have all the same symptoms, flu like symptoms, feeling cold most of the time, … [Read more...]
How do you get malaria?
QUESTION: How do you get malaria? ANSWER: Malaria is caused by parasites called Plasmodium, of which different species cause different types of malaria. A person gets malaria when they are bitten by certain female mosquitoes (of the species Anopheles) that carry Plasmodium parasites in their saliva. The mosquitoes themselves pick up the parasite by feeding on the blood of people already … [Read more...]