MalariaCause A bite from a parasite-infected mosquito causes
malaria. There are four species of Plasmodium(P.) parasites that infect
mosquitoes. Infection with P. falciparum- P. falciparum is found
mostly in the tropics and subtropics (near the equator).
- Infection
with P. falciparum can lead to
life-threatening complications after the first few
days.
- P. falciparum is often resistant to a
popular antimalarial medication (chloroquine) and needs treatment with other
medications.
Infection with P. vivax, P. malariae, or P. ovale- P. vivax and
P. malariae occur all over the tropical regions of the
world. P. ovale is found in western
Africa.
- Infection with any of these three types of malaria usually
is not life-threatening, and a person may recover in a month without
treatment.
- P. vivax, P.
malariae, and P. ovale generally are not as
drug-resistant as P. falciparum.
- P. vivax and
P. ovale may stay in the liver, requiring further
treatment with medicine to prevent relapses.
How the disease spreadsMalaria is spread when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person. Only this type of mosquito
can spread malaria. The mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected person
and drawing blood that contains the parasite. When that mosquito bites another
person, that person becomes infected. In the United States, people who develop malaria are nearly
always found to have contracted it while traveling in parts of the world where
malaria is common. For more information, see the topic
Travel Health.
Go to previous section | Go to top of page | Go to next section |
| | Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: May 16, 2007 | | Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | © 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
| 
| |
| |