(39) GCSE Biology Revision "Malaria"

Malaria

A communicable disease caused by the malaria pathogen, which is a protist, leading to over 400,000 deaths annually.

Malaria pathogen

A protist responsible for causing malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Vector

An organism, such as a mosquito, that transmits a pathogen from one host to another.

Symptoms of malaria

Repeated bouts of fever, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

Life cycle of malaria

The malaria pathogen is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito and then from the mosquito to another person.

Preventing the spread of malaria

Involves stopping mosquito breeding and preventing mosquitoes from biting humans.

Breeding sites for mosquitoes

Still water sources, such as ponds, where mosquitoes breed.

Insecticide

A chemical used to kill insects, which can be sprayed on breeding sites or mosquito nets to reduce malaria spread.

Mosquito net

A protective net that prevents mosquitoes from biting individuals while they sleep.

Ways to reduce malaria transmission

Drain still water areas to eliminate breeding sites and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent bites.