# data[].attributes.body
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and possibly death. Malaria is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical regions, and the need for prevention and treatment strategies is essential to control its spread and impact on human populations.

# data[].attributes.headline
How Malaria Works in the Mosquito —> Human Relationship

# data[].attributes.subject
How Malaria Works in the Mosquito —> Human Relationship

# data[].attributes.body
The process starts when an infected female mosquito, a vector (an organism that transmits infectious diseases), bites a person, injecting saliva containing Plasmodium sporozoites (the infective form of the malaria parasite), which falls under the category of protists (a single-celled eukaryotic microorganism), into the bloodstream. These sporozoites are the initial infectious form of the malaria parasite.

# data[].attributes.body
The sporozoites travel to the liver, where they invade hepatocytes (liver cells). Inside hepatocytes, the parasites undergo a complex developmental process for 7 to 10 days.

# data[].attributes.body
Within hepatocytes, schizonts rupture, liberating numerous merozoites. This process, known as schizogony, marks the end of the liver stage and the beginning of the erythrocytic* stage.

*erythrocyte: a red blood cell responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs

# data[].attributes.body
Merozoites enter the bloodstream and initiate the erythrocytic stage by invading red blood cells. Once inside, they undergo a cycle of replication, causing the host cells to rupture and release more merozoites.

# data[].attributes.body
Merozoites invade red blood cells and the malaria parasites, feed on the host's hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells). The repeated invasion and rupture of red blood cells lead to the typical symptoms of malaria, such as fever and anemia. The ongoing replication perpetuates the infection.

# data[].attributes.body
Some parasites within red blood cells differentiate into sexual forms called gametocytes. These gametocytes can be taken up by mosquitoes during a blood meal.

# data[].attributes.headline
Step 7: Infection Transmitted to Mosquito

# data[].attributes.subject
Step 7: Infection Transmitted to Mosquito

# data[].attributes.body
When an infected mosquito bites a person, it ingests both asexual forms (merozoites) and sexual forms (gametocytes). Inside the mosquito's gut, gametocytes mature into gametes, initiating the sexual phase.

# data[].attributes.body
Fertilization occurs within the mosquito, leading to the formation of ookinetes and, ultimately, sporozoites. These sporozoites migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, ready to be injected into a new host during the mosquito's next blood meal, completing the transmission cycle.

# data[].attributes.body
2017: 219 million cases & 445,000 deaths

2020: 241 million cases & 627,000 deaths

2022: 246 million cases & 608,000 deaths

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): 95% of cases

# data[].attributes.body
Malaria is particularly prevalent in Africa due to a combination of environmental, socio-economic, and healthcare-related factors.

# data[].attributes.body
Global Issue

# data[].attributes.body
Disease Cycle

# data[].attributes.body
Treatments & Solutions

# data[].attributes.body
Symptoms

# data[].attributes.body
steps 1 --> step 5

# data[].attributes.body
A fever marks the beginning symptom of malaria. The fever is typically associated with the release of merozoites into the bloodstream, causing an immune response and an increase in body temperature.

# data[].attributes.body
Chills often precede the fever, and sweating follows as the fever breaks. These cycles can be intense and contribute to the characteristic feeling of alternating between hot and cold.

# data[].attributes.body
Malaria parasites infect red blood cells, leading to their rupture and the release of waste products. This causes inflammation and lead to muscle and joint pain.

# data[].attributes.body
Anemia is a common consequence of malaria, as the parasites feed on hemoglobin within red blood cells. This can lead to a reduced number of red blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin levels, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and paleness.

# data[].attributes.body
The mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite, thrive in warm and humid climates. Many regions in Africa have suitable conditions for the breeding and survival of these mosquitoes.

# data[].attributes.body
Many African countries face economic challenges, that limit their ability to invest in effective malaria control measures, such as bed nets, insecticides, and antimalarial drugs. There is also limited access to healthcare services, making it hard to provide timely diagnosis and treatment for malaria. This can lead to delays in seeking medical help.

# data[].attributes.body
This is the most recommended treatment for malaria. It is a combination of many highly effective drugs.

# data[].attributes.body
This used to be the most recommended and used, but now it is mainly used for treating malaria cases that are not as prevalent anymore.