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Introduction to the lesson
Malaria is a well-known disease ravaging sub-Saharan Africa. In Central African Republic, which has the highest incident rate of malaria in the world, malaria is the fourth leading cause of death. In this lesson, we will look at the causes, treatment and prevention of malaria. As you go through the lesson, try to think what factors contribute to Central African Republic's high incident rate of malaria.
Malaria
Read the section "Malaria" on p.202-205 of your text book. Also read the WHO Malaria fact sheet
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- Study Table 10.3 on p.202.
- What is the name of the pathogen that causes malaria? (Note that there are four species that cause malaria. You will be required only to know the genus: Plasmodium.)
- Describe the method of transmission. (Note that it needs an insect vector -- the female Anopheles mosquito which drinks blood. Take note: you must be specific. The vector is the female anopheles mosquito. It is not good enough to state that the vector is the mosquito. Also note that Plasmodium can pass across the placenta from mother to baby).
- Describe the transmission cycle -- see Fig. 10.4 on p.203.
- Describe the global distribution and suggest why malaria is found in the tropics and subtropics but not in colder more temperate regions?
- Give the incubation period of the pathogen.
- State the site of action of the pathogen.
- Describe the clinical features (symptoms) of malaria.
- Describe the method of diagnosis.
- Describe the treatment of malaria.
- Describe why the WHO worldwide eradication programme has not been successful.
- Why is the spread of malaria such a worldwide concern.
- Answer Questions 10.6-10.8 on p.205.
- What measures can a country like Central African Republic put in place to reduce the incident rate of malaria?
Definitions and review
Mindmap
Add this section to your chapter ten mindmap.