Malaria
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Malaria is a widespread disease found in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of America, Asia, and Africa. The vast majority of cases occur in Africa as can also be found in the map below. It is estimated that each year worldwide between 200 and 300 million malaria infections occur, killing between 2 and 3 million people every year. This means somewhere in the world a death occurs due to malaria every 30 seconds.

Malaria is caused by mosquitoes of the Anopheles species. There are approximately 400 types of Anopheles mosquitoes of which 30 to 40 types transmit the parasite the causes malaria. Once infected the symptoms of malaria include fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia and convulsions.

Symptoms for Team Bravo

In the early stages, malaria symptoms are sometimes similar to those of many other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms that will emerge in the first seven days may include:

  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Headache.
  • Sweats.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms may appear in cycles and may come and go at different intensities and for different lengths of time. But, especially at the beginning of the illness, the symptoms may not follow this typical pattern.

The cyclic pattern of malaria symptoms is due to the life cycle of malaria parasites as they develop, reproduce, and are released from the red blood cells and liver cells in the human body. This cycle of symptoms is also one of the major indicators that you are infected with malaria.

Other common symptoms of malaria

* Dry (nonproductive) cough.
* Muscle and/or back pain.
* Joint pain.

In rare cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Those who have had the parasite previously are more resistant to its effects; symptoms take slightly longer to show up at their fullest, and they tend to have more mild reactions overall. Malaria-endemic regions often have many adults who have gained a relatively good immunity to the parasite.

Treatment

Although some are under development, no vaccine is currently available for malaria. Preventative drugs, often to expensive for most people living in risk area's, must be taken continuously to reduce the risk of infection.

Once infected there are several families of drugs used to treat malaria. Unfortunately sophisticated counterfeits of malaria drugs have been found in several Asian countries. These counterfeits are an important cause of avoidable death. The World Health Organization have said that studies indicate that up to 40% of artesunate based malaria medications are counterfeit. Unfortunately nothing will stop certain people from making money at any cost.

Currently, Team Bravo does not have any Malaria medication.

Known Currently Infected Members

  • Gabriel
  • Danko
  • Huruma
  • Candy
  • Sanderson
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