Question 1: Define malaria and describe the organism responsible for causing the disease.

Answer: Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, which infects humans through mosquito bites.

Question 2: Explain how the malaria parasite is transmitted from one person to another.

Answer: Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which injects the parasite into the bloodstream.

Question 3: Describe the lifecycle stages of the Plasmodium parasite within the human host.

Answer: The Plasmodium lifecycle in humans involves sporozoites entering the bloodstream after mosquito bites, migrating to the liver to mature into schizonts, releasing merozoites into the blood to infect red blood cells, where they multiply and cause symptoms. Some develop into gametocytes, which are taken up by mosquitoes to continue the cycle.

Question 4: List three common symptoms of malaria.

Answer: Fever, chills, sweating, headache, and fatigue.

Question 5: Multiple Choice: Which insect is primarily responsible for transmitting malaria?

Answer: Anopheles mosquito

Question 6: Fill in the blank: The malaria parasite undergoes part of its lifecycle in the __________ and part in the human host.

Answer: mosquito

Question 7: Explain why malaria remains a significant health problem in many parts of the world, despite available treatments.

Answer: Malaria remains a major health issue due to factors such as mosquito resistance to insecticides, parasite resistance to drugs, limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and challenges in implementing control measures in endemic regions.

Question 8: Describe one method used to prevent the spread of malaria.

Answer: Using insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent mosquito bites during sleep.

Question 9: Identify one practical step that communities can take to reduce malaria transmission.

Answer: Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Question 10: A new vaccine for malaria has been developed and is being tested in various regions. Discuss the potential advantages and challenges of implementing a malaria vaccine in endemic areas.

Answer: Advantages include reduced infection rates, decreased disease severity, and lower mortality. Challenges involve logistical issues in vaccine distribution, maintaining cold chains, vaccine acceptance, cost, and ensuring long-term immunity in diverse populations.