QUESTION How many people get malaria by one mosquito? ANSWER That is a very interesting question—the answer is that is varies between regions, and also depends on the type of mosquito. It was often believed that female mosquitoes (which feed on blood—males only feed on nectar) required a single blood meal in order to lay eggs and reproduce, and so would feed approximately once … [Read more...]
Where is Malaria Found?
QUESTION Where is malaria found? ANSWER Malaria is found throughout the world's tropical and sub-tropical areas, and mainly in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. It is most common in tropical regions, where transmission occurs year-round; in sub-tropical and temperate areas, transmission may only occur during seasons that have appropriate climatic … [Read more...]
Malaria Recurrence
QUESTION My friend suffers malaria due to plasmodium falsciparum at least every two weeks. It has been treated with coartem, artequine, artesunate+fansida, quinine/quinimax since 2004 without any relief at all. It returns a week or two later and lab tests attest to same. What else should be done? ANSWER It is rare for someone living in an endemic area to suffer so regularly from … [Read more...]
How Does One Contract Malaria?
QUESTION How to get malaria? ANSWER Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have … [Read more...]
Diagnosing Malaria
QUESTION Where in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) can I diagnose malaria? Is it possible within 24 hours? ANSWER Given that malaria is endemic in Malaysia (though not usually found in Kuala Lumpar) you should be able to get a malaria test at most clinics or hospitals. The most common test is a thick and thin blood film, read under the microscope by a qualified technician—in some places, clinics … [Read more...]
Malaria Transmission Through Sexual Contact
QUESTION Can i get malaria if i have sex with someone that has malaria? ANSWER No. Malaria cannot be sexually transmitted. In virtually all cases, malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, of the genus Anopheles. The mosquito passes the malaria parasite (there are several species which cause malaria in humans, all of the genus Plasmodium) through its saliva when it … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes and AIDS
QUESTION Can mosquito cause AIDS, and why? ANSWER No, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) cannot be transmitted via mosquitoes. When the virus was first discovered, there was a fear that it could be transmitted via the blood ingested by mosquitoes as they feed between humans. However, it was shown very quickly that the virus was too unstable to survive within the mosquito, and so … [Read more...]
Post Malaria Auto-Immune Disease
QUESTION I contracted P. Malariae while on a Humanitarian trip in El Salvador in 1996, despite taking the Doxycycline prophylaxis. The diagnosis was difficult, as my fever never broke 100 deg F. A sample of my blood was eventually sent to the CDC to confirm the suspicions of my Dr, who just couldn't prove the dx by smear. The titer came back positive 1. Now to my question. Have you come across … [Read more...]
Malaria Test for Infant
QUESTION What can I do if my infant (6-12 months) gets malaria and how can I tell if they have it? ANSWER Your infant can easily be diagnosed by a blood test, so visit a clinic, doctor or hospital immediately. The diagnosis will either be done by looking at a thick and thin blood film under a microscope, or by a rapid diagnostic test. It is important that a blood test is done in … [Read more...]
Community Control of Malaria
QUESTION how can the community can control malaria through personal protection? ANSWER That's a very good question. One of the most effective known ways for reducing infection with malaria is through the use of long-lastong insecticide treated bednets. Sleeping underneath one at night drastically reduces the chance of being bitten by the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit … [Read more...]