Specials

Malaria is the most deadly disease of all time. It has killed over half the human beings who have ever lived! Malaria is a disease caused by the blood parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The name malaria comes from the Medieval Italian words mal aria which means “bad air,” since it was usually contracted near swamps and damp places. We now know that’s where mosquitos breed and the air is not to blame. But the name has stuck. Malaria infects half a billion people each year and between 1 and 3 million die every year (nobody knows for sure just how many). Children are the main victims and African countries bear the brunt. Despite modern medicine and pesticides, the problem seems to be spreading, due to growth in human population. You may think it has nothing to do with you, living safely in North America or Europe. You would be wrong. Already there are 2,000 cases a year in the US and all are agreed this is grossly under-reported. As the mosquitos march north, due to global warming, malaria will soon be vectored in our society. Be warned.

Malaria is the most deadly disease of all time. It has killed over half the human beings who have ever lived! Malaria is a disease caused by the blood parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The name malaria comes from the Medieval Italian words mal aria which means “bad air,” since it was usually contracted near swamps and damp places. We now know that’s where mosquitos breed and the air is not to blame. But the name has stuck. Malaria infects half a billion people each year and between 1 and 3 million die every year (nobody knows for sure just how many). Children are the main victims and African countries bear the brunt. Despite modern medicine and pesticides, the problem seems to be spreading, due to growth in human population. You may think it has nothing to do with you, living safely in North America or Europe. You would be wrong. Already there are 2,000 cases a year in the US and all are agreed this is grossly under-reported. As the mosquitos march north, due to global warming, malaria will soon be vectored in our society. Be warned.