LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — When a small number of cases of locally transmitted malaria were found in the United States last year, it was a reminder that climate change is reviving or migrating the threat of some diseases. But across the African continent malaria has never left, killing or sickening millions of people.
Take Funmilayo Kotun, a 66-year-old resident of Makoko, an informal neighborhood in Nigeria’s Lagos city. Its ponds of dirty water provide favorable breeding conditions for malaria-spreading mosquitoes. Kotun can’t afford insecticide-treated bed nets that cost between $7 and $21 each, much less antimalarial medications or treatment.
For World Malaria Day on Thursday, here is what you need to know about the situation in Africa:
The malaria parasite mostly spreads to people via infected mosquitoes and can cause symptoms including fever, headaches and chills. It mostly affects children under 5 and pregnant women. Vaccine efforts are still in early stages: Cameroon this year became the first country to routinely give children a new malaria vaccine, which is only about 30% effective and doesn’t stop transmission. A second vaccine was recently approved.
Forsberg and Beauvillier each get a goal and an assist and Predators knock off Canucks 4
Entrepreneur Serves Motherland, Promotes Hometown's Development
Woman Guards 'Neurons' of China's High
Promoting Greater Understanding of TCM Culture in France
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Table Tennis Legend Ages like Fine Wine
Activity Deepens Overseas Chinese Students' Understanding of Xi
Teaching in Guangzhou Became an Unforgettable Introduction to China
China's envoy in Washington urges U.S. to avoid Thucydides Trap in bilateral ties
Experiencing New Charm of Ancient City