QUESTION What is the first infected person with Plasmodium? ANSWER Plasmodium, the single-celled parasite which causes malaria, has been infecting humans since ancient times. In fact, the first written reference to its symptoms dates back almost 5000 years, to an ancient Chinese manuscript! It was also known from the writings of other ancient peoples, such as the Greeks, Romans and … [Read more...]
What is the Meaning of the Word “Malaria”?
QUESTION The word malaria comes from two medievial Italian words meaning? ANSWER Malaria comes from "mal" and "aria," which means "bad air." Before the parasite that caused malaria was discovered, people thought the disease was caused by foul air, and associated it with marshes and low-lying swamps. They were not 100% wrong—those areas are perfect breeding grounds for the mosquitoes … [Read more...]
Malaria, Hepatitis and Cholera Deaths
QUESTION Up to now how many people died of malaria? Up to now how many people died of Hepatitis A? Up to now how many people died of Cholera? ANSWER It is believed that malaria is singly responsible for the most deaths of humans in history. However, the exact number is impossible to know. Our modern concept of disease as caused by a particular organisms or pathogen is very new, … [Read more...]
Historic Malaria Video (1943)
1943 informational cartoon from Walt Disney Studios, please note that today, pouring oil on water is obviously not recommended. … [Read more...]
How long do I need to carry a Malaria Risk Card
QUESTION Hello, 13 months ago I worked in Nigeria, Africa for a period of 6 weeks. During which time I took Malarone tables daily. I think I was only bitten once or twice when there - but have never had Malaria. I currently carry a Malaria Risk Card in my wallet. At the time I was told I could potentially contract Malaria up to a period of 2 years after exposure - is this correct, or can I now … [Read more...]
Malaria Transmission
QUESTION Can one get malaria through contact with the infected person or is it airborne? ANSWER Malaria cannot be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, nor is it airborne! It is actually transmitted directly via the bite of an infected mosquito. Only certain female mosquitoes, of the genus Anopheles, can carry malaria. The mosquito picks up the malaria parasite … [Read more...]
Aging and Malaria
QUESTION Is there any evidence that successfully treated malaria (when young or a young adult), has any deleterious effects for patients in their 70s and 80s? Is risk of vascular disease, stroke, or MIs any greater? ANSWER I don't think there is any evidence for any long-term deleterious effects of malaria that was successfully treated, particularly if the malaria infection was … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes with Malaria
QUESTION: Do mosquitoes with malaria get sick like people do? ANSWER: That's a great question! As far as I know, the jury is still out in terms of what overall effect being infected with malaria has on mosquitoes, and to a large extent, it appears to vary due to lots of factors, such as the compatibility between the mosquito and the particular type of malaria parasite, the intensity of … [Read more...]
U.S. Budget Cuts May Drastically Reduce Funding for Malaria Bed Nets and Treatment Programs
Recently the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal budget for the rest of the fiscal year 2011. The legislation slashes programs that save the lives of some of the poorest people on the planet. These programs have been championed by Republicans and Democrats in the past, but now some of the most cost-effective programs our government funds to help combat … [Read more...]
Anti-Infective Drugs Market to Reach $66 Billion by 2013, Says Report
The anti-infective drugs market will jump to $66 billion by 2013, according to a recently published report. Anti-infective drugs include: anti-viral therapeutics, antibiotics, anti-fungal agents and prophylactic treatments such as vaccines. Six infectious diseases -- pneumonia, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, malaria, measles and HIV/AIDS -- account for half of all premature deaths worldwide. … [Read more...]