It is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
Early Symptoms (Uncomplicated Malaria)
FEVER, SWEATING & CHILLS
HEADACHES
NAUSEA & VOMITTING
Severe Symptoms (Complicated by serious infection)
IMPAIRED CONSCIOUSNESS
SEIZURES
COMA
ANEMIA (Destruction of red blood cells)
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
KIDNEY FAILURE
HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood glucose)
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 88% of cases and 90% of deaths in 2015
Most vulnerable are children, pregnant women and travellers from Malaria-free areas
214 million cases resulting in 438,000 deaths in 2015
Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs)
The World Health Organisation recommends that all people at risk of malaria sleep under a LLIN (Long-Lasting Incesticidal Net) every night, and that the net is properly maintained.
Indoor residual spraying (IRS)
Assuming 80% of the house is covered, spraying residual insecticides can protect a home for 3-6 months.
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
The World Health Organisation recommends ACTs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the P. falciparum parasite - Artemisini & a partner drug.
Injectable artesunate
Severe malaria should be treated with injectable artesunate (intramuscular or intravenous) and followed by a complete course of an ACT as soon as the patient can take oral medicines.
We are on the mission to solve the world's most pressing problems using data. Better Data, Smarter Decisions.
Download this information as a PDF
On April 25th people across the globe take part in a wide range of activities to mark World Malaria Day. For half the world every day is malaria day - a day to keep up the fight against this killer disease.
Sources used in this presentation
World Health Organisation - Malaria
World Malaria Day - Official Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Other links
