Malaria Facts
Malaria Facts
|
| Interesting Malaria Facts: |
|---|
| In 2015 there were approximately 214 cases of malaria around the world. Of these cases approximately 438,000 people died from the disease. |
| Thanks to the prevention measures and control of outbreaks, the number of people that have died from malaria since 2000 has been reduced by 60%. |
| The majority of the cases of malaria occur in sub-Saharan Africa, but they also occur in other regions of the world. In 2015 sub-Saharan Africa had 89% of the worldwide cases of malaria and 91% of the deaths that occurred because of malaria were in this region as well. |
| It is estimated that approximately 3.2 billion people around the world are at risk for contracting malaria. This is roughly half of the world's total population. |
| When an infected mosquito bites a human it infects the human with parasites. These are called Plasmodium parasites and there are five parasite species. Plasmodium falciparum parasites are the most deadly to humans. |
| The most vulnerable people are young children, non-immune travellers, and pregnant women. |
| Approximately 2/3rds of all malaria deaths occur in children under the age of five. In 2015 malaria claimed the lives of more than 300,000 children in Africa under the age of five. |
| Once infected with malaria, a person's chances of survival often depend on how quickly they seek treatment. |
| The parasites responsible for human infection are becoming resistant to the malaria treatment medication. Because of this partner drugs must be used to ensure that the medication is effective. |
| In areas where malaria is common people sometimes use mosquito nets to cover them while they sleep. Some of these nets are treated with insecticide to help keep the mosquitos away. |
| One of the best ways for at-risk populations to decrease the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito is through indoor spraying which can last for up to six months on the surface it is sprayed on. |
| In some communities in high risk populations they cannot afford treatment or prevention and this makes them more susceptible to being infected and dying from malaria. |
| Malaria can be found in 103 countries around the world. Only 59 countries are currently able to meet the requirements to reduce the incidence of malaria. |
| Approximately 1500 people in the United States contract malaria each year. |
| In rare cases a person may become ill as many as four years after being infected. |
| Malaria is not contagious through contact with another person. It is passed on through mosquito bites, because they are able to inject the parasite into the human host. |
|
Related Links: Facts Health Facts Animals Facts Mosquito Facts Ronald Ross Facts |