Malaria Flashcards
What is malaria?
A tropical vector borne disease
What is it transmitted by?
Insects like mosquitoes
How many people live in areas at risk of malaria?
3.4 billion people
Where do most cases of malaria occur?
Across Sub-Saharan Africa
What are symptoms of malaria?
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Where do mosquitos breed?
Stagnant water
What temperatures do mosquitos require?
Between 16 and 32 degrees
What have studies in India shown?
Those living in proximity to forests areas are more susceptible to infection
Why is malaria mainly concentrated in LIC’s?
Lack of investment for new drugs/vaccines/control
What type of housing quality increases the likelihood of malaria?
Bamboo/wood
Palm leaves
Poorly fitted windows
Overcrowded rooms
What have studies in Ethiopia shown?
That highland farmers who seasonally migrate to find work in lowland areas are prone to malarial infection
What is there a strong positive correlation between?
Income and the use of prevention methods
What can those with higher incomes spend their money on?
Repellents, nets, and coils
How can education affect likelihood of getting malaria?
Those with a clear understanding of link between malaria and environmental conditions are more likely to use prevention strategies
What percentage of malaria deaths occur in Africa?
90%
What are the effects of malaria on surrounds/lifestyles etc?
- increases school absences
- decreases tourism
- inhibits foreign investment
- affects crop production
What are the costs to the government for malaria?
- maintenance
- supply
- health facilities
- control
What have direct costs of malaria been per year
Around $12 billion
What do WHO suggest the key interventions to control malaria are?
- effective treatment
- use of nets
- repellent spray
What is the problem with repellents?
Many of the parasites have become resistant
How much can bed nets reduce malaria transmissions by?
90%
What can burning of coils do?
Generate smoke that controls mosquitos
What percentage did the substantial expansion of malaria interventions decrease malaria by?
42%
What does WHO set the target of reducing malaria by?
By 40% in 2020
Between 2010 and 2015 what happened to malaria incidences?
They fell by 21%
