Malaria: Epidemiology, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

What is the primary reason why female Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors of malaria?

What is a common symptom of malaria that may take months or even years to develop?

What is a personal protection measure to prevent malaria?

Which of the following groups is disproportionately affected by malaria?

What is the name of the antimalarial drug used to treat P.vivax and P.?

How many species of Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria?

What is the primary purpose of PCR in malaria diagnosis?

What is a major challenge in the development of effective malaria vaccines?

In which region is the transmission rate of malaria typically highest?

What is the primary advantage of using artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) to treat malaria?

Which type of diagnostic test is used to detect parasites in blood samples?

What is the primary purpose of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in malaria control?

Vectors

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
There are over 400 species of Anopheles mosquitoes, but only 30-40 species can transmit malaria.
Female Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors of malaria, as they require a blood meal to lay eggs.

Symptoms

Malaria symptoms can appear within 10-15 days of infection, but can also take months or even years to develop.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, malaria can cause:
- Anemia
- Hemoglobinuria (dark urine)
- Respiratory distress
- Cerebral malaria (coma)

Prevention

Vector control measures:
- Eliminate breeding sites (standing water)
- Use insecticides
- Distribute insecticide-treated bed nets
Personal protection measures:
- Wear protective clothing
- Apply insect repellents
- Avoid peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
Chemoprophylaxis: take antimalarial drugs before, during, and after travel to malaria-endemic areas

Epidemiology

Malaria is endemic in over 100 countries, with Africa bearing the highest burden.
According to WHO (2020), there were:
- 229 million cases of malaria worldwide
- 409,000 deaths attributed to malaria
Malaria disproportionately affects:
- Children under 5
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems

Treatment

Antimalarial drugs:
- Chloroquine (for P. vivax and P. ovale)
- Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for P. falciparum
- Other drugs: quinine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and mefloquine
Treatment depends on:
- Species of parasite (P. falciparum, P. vivax, etc.)
- Severity of symptoms
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding status
Supportive care:
- Fluid and electrolyte management
- Blood transfusions (in severe cases)

This quiz covers the transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of malaria, including vector control measures, personal protection, and antimalarial drugs. It also touches on the epidemiology of malaria, including its global burden and vulnerable populations.