Malaria

Question 1

Name the physical causes of malaria (6)

Answer 1

Female Anopheles Mosquito
Humidity over 60%
Below 3000m altitude
Stagnant water, such as puddles or lakes, to lay larvae in
Shade for mosquito to rest
Lives in temperatures between 15 - 45 degrees celsius

Question 2

Name some human causes of malaria (4)

Answer 2

Houses create shade for mosquitos to rest
Settlements provide large populations for the mosquitos to feed on
Global air travel contributes to spread of malaria, people migrate more
Man made areas of stagnant water e.g. paddy fields, dams, and irrigation canals

Question 3

What are the symptoms of malaria

Answer 3

Fever, shivering, anaemia
Can be fatal especially if immune system is weakened by malnutrition or other illness
Fever can lead to dehydration

Question 4

What are the impacts of malaria (8)

Answer 4

Infected people lose out on days of work
Risk of infection is highest in rainy season which is bad as this is when agriculture is busiest
People are too weak to work and can’t produce enough for their families
Children under 5 die of malaria
Education rates can drop as kids are absent
Can cost up to 40% of public health spending
Countries limited resources are used on healthcare instead of improving education and services
Tourists put off visiting

Question 5

Name some solutions to malaria (5)

Answer 5

Medication
Drugs can be used to prevent and treat malaria e.g. Chloroquine (It kills the parasite in the blood)

Insecticides
Spraying insecticides and pesticides on the walls e.g. DDT and DEET

Removing breeding grounds
Removal of waste, such as cans that can collect water

Education
People can be given advice to avoid catching malaria

Nets
Insecticide treated mosquito nets are a cheap and effective way to protect from being bitten when they’re most active (at night)