Thursday, June 5, 2008


Malaria is an awful disease. Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria parasites are transmitted from one person to another by the female anopheline mosquito. The males do not transmit the disease as they feed only on plant juices. There are about 380 species of anopheline mosquito, but only 60 or so are able to transmit the parasite. Like all other mosquitos, the anophelines breed in water, each species having its preferred breeding grounds, feeding patterns and resting place. Their sensitivity to insecticides is also highly variable.
Mosquitoes are like little robots. These robots are great at finding warm-blooded people. A mosquito's head is loaded with a system of "people sensors." It starts with chemical sensors. With their antenna, mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide and lactic acid up to 100 feet away. They can also detect chemicals in sweat.
I think that action should be taken. Charities for supporting the research and curing of this disease should be made. Fundraisers for giving impoverished people vaccines and cures should be set up. For more information, there are lots of websites available.

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