Malaria - Some facts

The main factors contributing to the problem of malaria are

• The development of resistance of malaria parasites to all available anti-malarials,

• resistance of mosquitoes to all insecticides,

• environmental changes,

• climatic changes/global warming,

• migration of people from malaria endemic areas to non-endemic areas,

• the increase in population,

• wrong diagnosis and

• improper treatment.

The mosquitoes have been here in this world for the last 100 million years.

There are more than 2500 species of mosquitoes worldwide.

The average lifespan of a mosquito is about a month.

The average weight of an unfed mosquito is about 2.5mg and it can take about 5-10 µl of blood.

There may be variations depending on the species of the mosquitoes.

Hygienic conditions can help in reducing mosquito bites. Body odour and carbon dioxide are the main attractants for mosquitoes.