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Malaria

Definition:

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected [female] mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.

Key interventions to control malaria include: prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies; use of insecticidal nets by people at risk; and indoor residual spraying with insecticide to control the vector mosquitoes.

Source: WHO Malaria 

Related words:

Anopheles - Artemisinin - Parasite - Plasmodium falciparum

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Malaria status & challenges of the epidemic

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Malaria
Español: Paludismo
Français: Paludisme
Nederlands: Malaria

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