In the recent news of our world, Malaria has been a devastating epidemic, killing thousands every year. Scientist have discovered that the Malaria virus itself is aiding in its own spread. Mosquitos are well known for carrying and passing on Malaria as well as other blood born illness, but only recently have scientist figured out why the rates are so high. A parasite called Plasmodium Falciparum actually attracts the mosquitos to ensure that it is swiftly passed on to a new host. The parasite tricks the insects into thinking someone is giving off more CO2, which they uses as an indicator for their next living breathing meal. It also gives off a aroma similar to that of plants many mosquitos get nectar from, there for naturally attracting it to them.
I found this very relevant because Malaria as well as other blood born illnesses are a very serious, worldwide problem. If scientist have come this far and figured out why the mosquitos are attracted to the parasite they may be able to find a way to counter act it. This way the mosquitos would be repelled and there for stopping the wide spread of Malaria as well as other air born epidemics.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/malaria-molecule-makes-blood-extra-alluring-mosquitoes
That is also horrible! Ughhhh
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