Difference between revisions of "Creeperian Malaria"

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== History ==
 
== History ==
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The [[1967 Southern Rakeo malaria epidemic|Southern Rakeo malaria epidemic]] in 1967 killed between 40,000-100,000 people.
  
 
== Society and culture ==
 
== Society and culture ==

Revision as of 23:43, 29 October 2022

Creeperian Malaria
Malaria Parasite Connecting to Human Red Blood Cell (34034143483).jpg
Creeperian Malaria parasite connecting to a red blood cell.
Pronunciation
SpecialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsFever, nausea, vomiting, headache, coughing, sweating, tiredness, shaking chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, yellow skin, convulsions, bloody stools
ComplicationsSeizures, coma, death
Usual onset1–5 days post exposure
Duration10–24 days
CausesPlasmodium creeperiacae spread by mosquitos
Diagnostic methodExamination of the blood, antigen detection tests
PreventionMosquito nets, insect repellent, mosquito control
TreatmentMosquito control, medications
MedicationAntimalarial medication
Frequency15 million per year (2017)
Deaths110,000 per year (2017)

Creeperian Malaria (Creeperian SpanishCreeperian: Մալարիա Ծրեեպերիանո; Creeperian Spanish – Iberic: Malaria Creeperiano) is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. The Creeperian strain of malaria is considered to be the most severe strain, including usual malarial symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, coughing, sweating, and tiredness, but also may include shaking chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, and in extreme cases, yellowing of skin, convulsions, bloody stools, seizures, coma, and death. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 5 days after initial exposure by being bitten by an infected mosquito, and symptoms can last from up to 10 to 24 days. Those who survive an infection of Creeperian Malaria, if they contract it again, usually experience symptoms which are are much more mild than the initial exposure, however, this partial resistance disappears over months to years if the person has no continuing exposure to Creeperian Malaria.

Creeperian Malaria is caused by single-celled microorganisms of the Plasmodium group. The disease is most commonly spread by an infected female Aedes creeperiacae mosquito. The mosquito bite introduces the parasites from the mosquito's saliva into a person's blood and the parasites travel to the liver where they mature and reproduce. The most common species of Plasmodium which causes Creeperian Malaria is Plasmodium creeperiacae.

The risk of infection can be entirely eliminated by preventing mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets and insect repellants. Other methods include spraying insecticides and draining standing water, where mosquitos reproduce and lay their eggs. Several medications are also available to prevent and treat Creeperian Malaria, and travelers to Creeperopolis are advised to take such medication to prevent infection. No vaccine exists to entirely prevent Creeperian Malaria, however, efforts to develop a vaccine are ongoing.

The disease is very common in Creeperopolis, the namesake of the disease as it originated in southern Creeperopolis. In 2017, there were 15 million cases of Creeperian Malaria reported worldwide, resulting in 110,000 deaths, contributing to a mortality rate of less than one percent, however, it still remains the deadliest strain of malaria. Creeperian Malaria has been commonly associated with poverty and has a major negative effect on economic development, especially in southern Creeperopolis.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Creeperian Malaria.

The signs and symptoms of Creeperian Malaria usually manifest 1 to 5 days after infection, depending on if the infected person was taking any anti-malarial medication at the time of infection. Initial signs manifest and appear to be flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, coughing, and tiredness, but overtime, more, non-flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, and muscle pain may manifest. In extreme cases of infection, yellowing of skin, convulsions, and bloody stools may also manifest.

Complications

Complications with Creeperian Malaria include seizures, coma, and even death. Severe cases which result in complications is rare, however, around 110,000 people died as a result of complications from Creeperian Malaria in 2017. Risk factors which may lead to a higher risk of fatal complications include malnutrition and youthfulness, and as such, most victims of Creeperian Malaria who die are poor and/or young.

During pregnancy, the fetus is especially at risk of dying. If a pregnant woman is infected with Creeperian Malaria, the developing fetus has a high likelihood of being stillborn and being the victim of a miscarriage, and if it survives, it still has a significant likelihood of having a low birth weight and even dying while in infancy due to complications of contracting the disease during fetal development.

Cause

Life cycle of malaria.

Creeperian Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium creeperiacae parasite. The parasite is spread by the Aedes creeperiacae species of mosquito and enters the human body when an infected female mosquito bites a human. When the parasite enters the human body, it enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the liver via blood vessels. In the liver, the parasite reproduces asexually through fission with tissue and produces thousands of merozoites. The merozoites infect new red blood cells and themselves reproduce asexually through fission with the red blood cells. Other merozoites, however, develop into sexually mature gametocytes which reproduce sexually.

When a non-infected female mosquito bites a human, it ingests the parasite and continues the cycle if it bites another human. Only female mosquitos can transmit the disease as only female mosquitos feed on blood. Male mosquitos only feed on plant nectar and cannot transmit with Creeperian Malaria. The most likely time to be infected by an infected female mosquito are at dusk and during the night, as that is when they are most active and searching for blood to feed on. Malaria can also be transmitted to blood transfusions, but it is rare in a professional medical environment as blood is routinely tested to ensure that the blood is not contaminated with any sort of disease, including Creeperian Malaria.

Genetic resistance

Because of the prevalence and negative effects of Creeperian Malaria, some genetic mutations have been identified in human genomes which make them more resistant to infection with Creeperian Malaria. In 1954, scientists in the San Carlos Islands discovered that 55 percent of Native San Carlos Islanders have sickle-cell blood cells, which prevents many merozoites from reproducing on blood cells, effectively making the disease much less serious and very rarely fatal. The same sickle-cell blood cells has been observed in 25 percent of the population in southern Creeperopolis, where the disease has historically been the most potent.

Diagnosis

Gametocytes in human blood.

The most common way of diagnosing Creeperian Malaria is to view a blood sample under a microscope. The primary drawback of this method of diagnosis is that rural areas are usually not equipped with microscopes which can properly examine for infection. In southern Creeperopolis, however, such microscopes are mandatory due to the prevalence of the disease in the area. Any unwell person is automatically tested for Creeperian Malaria in areas where the disease is prevalent. If microscopes are unavailable, antigen tests are used to test for infection.

Classification

Creeperian Malaria is classified as a "severe" disease due to its severe symptoms and possibility of death resulting from complications.

Prevention

Mosquito control

Medications

Other

Treatment

Epidemiology

History

The Southern Rakeo malaria epidemic in 1967 killed between 40,000-100,000 people.

Society and culture

Economic impact

Use in war

Eradication efforts

See also

External links