Malaria Flashcards
(30 cards)
What causes malaria and how is it transmitted?
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted via the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
How many people are at risk of malaria worldwide?
3.4 billion people across 106 countries (WHO data).
What were the global malaria statistics in 2013?
198 million cases and 584,000 deaths.
Where do most malaria cases and deaths occur?
82% of cases and 90% of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
Who are the most vulnerable groups to malaria?
Children under 5 and pregnant women.
Was malaria addressed in the Millennium Development Goals?
Yes, in Goal 6: combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
How significant is malaria among global health threats in LICs?
It remains one of the top 6 killers in low-income countries.
When is malaria transmission most intense?
During the rainy season when mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
Which environments support malaria transmission?
Low altitudes, high humidity, forested or coastal areas, and places with stagnant or poorly drained water.
What physical factors inhibit malaria?
High altitudes (>1,500m), low rainfall (<1,000 mm), and cold climates.
What is the link between malaria and poverty?
Malaria is a disease of poverty—58% of global DALYs lost occur in the poorest 20%, and only 0.2% in the richest 20%.
How do poor living conditions increase malaria risk?
Poor housing (mud walls, open windows), overcrowding, and unsanitary surroundings increase mosquito exposure.
Which occupations are most at risk of malaria?
Outdoor/agricultural workers, miners, and migrants.
Why are rural areas more affected by malaria?
They are closer to mosquito breeding sites and have poorer infrastructure.
What is the malaria risk in urban slums?
High, due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.
Which age group is most vulnerable to malaria?
Children under 5, although in places like Gambia/Tanzania, older children (5–14) are increasingly affected due to better infant prevention.
How does ethnicity affect malaria risk?
It affects access to healthcare and education. E.g., Non-Thai migrants in Thailand face higher risk due to limited access.
How does income influence malaria prevention?
Higher income allows purchase of nets, repellents, and better nutrition (reducing malaria severity).
What role does education play in malaria prevention?
Educated individuals are more aware of mosquito breeding sites and prevention methods. E.g., in Malawi, fewer nets were owned by households where heads hadn’t completed primary education.
How does distance from healthcare affect malaria treatment?
People living far from clinics use treatment less and may rely on traditional methods (e.g. burning medicinal plants).
How often does malaria kill a child?
Every minute.
What proportion of childhood deaths in Africa is due to malaria?
1 in 6 childhood deaths.
What are the health effects of malaria on individuals?
Anaemia, poor growth, low birth weight, developmental delays, chronic fatigue, and other symptoms.
What are the economic impacts of malaria?
Reduces productivity, increases school/work absenteeism, strains healthcare systems, and perpetuates poverty.
