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Malaria.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a severe, parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. There are 4 types of Malaria, however the only type with any real risk to humans is Falciparum Malaria.
At the moment, there is no vaccination available to protect against Malaria, although as long as treatment is received quickly, management of the disease is very effective. However some strains of Falciparum malaria have developed resistance to some of the drugs used in treatment.

Malaria kills millions of people every year. Pregnant women and children are at the highest risk of the disease. For visitors to countries that have Malaria, it is vital to receive anti malarial drugs before, during and after the trip. It is also possible for local inhabitants in these countries to build up some resistance to the malarial parasite.

History of Malaria.

Malaria comes from mal' aria' literally meaning bad air. The Romans were the first to notice that they became ill when they went outside at night.

Malaria however was only actually discovered around 100 years ago, by Dr R Ross, who was a British medical officer in India. He discovered a black pigment in the guts of infected mosquitoes, which was also found in infected humans. He then went on to find that if an infected mosquito bit an uninfected chicken, then the chicken would also contract the disease. For his discovery he was awarded the 1902 Nobel Prize for medicine.
At the end of the Second World War, a worldwide campaign was launched to attempt to control Malaria. But the banning of DDT and the quick drug resistance of the parasite made it a virtually impossible task.

Where is Malaria found?

South America- It is mainly restricted to specific areas and regions. The south of the continent is actually relatively Malaria free.
Africa-Malaria in Africa is widespread. The most deadly and dangerous form of Malaria is unfortunately also the most common here. Certain anti malarial medication also may not be effective here due to the drug resistance of Plasmodium.
South East Asia- Malaria is present but only in a few countries. It is restricted to only a few areas and regions.
Far East Asia- China has some risk, especially in and around the paddy fields, but urban areas are safe. Northern Korea's rural areas also have some risk.

With the amount of world wide travel so easily available to us now, and last minute bookings to far away exotic places, travellers are at increased risk of contracting Malaria.

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