Question

You observe a high proportion of malarial infections in a small village located in Angola. Malaria is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium and is spread through the female Anopheles mosquito, a biological vector for this disease. Which of the following is a basic strategy that would help to break the epidemiological triangle of malaria? To be marked correct, you'll need to select all applicable statements, as there may be more than one correct answer.A) Relocation of the entire village to a neighboring villageB) Instructing residents on personal protective measures, such as bed netting and use of DEET repellentC) Controlling the biological vector through chemical larvicidesD) Increasing the availability of anti-bacterial drugs to the community

Answer 1

Answer:

B and C.

Explanation:

The epidemiological triangle is an illustration of interaction among suitable hosts, disease agents, and the environment that drives successful outbreak of diseases.

In order to successfully tackle or reduce the incidence of a disease, the triangle has to be broken.

In the case of malaria which is caused by plasmodium but spread through the female anopheles mosquito, one way of breaking the epidemiological triangle is to eliminate female anopheles mosquito in the environment using any possible means. This will stop the spread of the parasite and hence, the disease.

Another way to reduce/prevent malaria is to prevent the vector, female anopheles mosquito from getting to the host, the human populace. This can also be achieved by several possible means.

Relocating the entire village to a neighbouring village might not break the epidemiological triangle as long as female anopheles mosquito still abounds. In the same vein, antibacterial drugs will not help to treat malaria. However, instructing residents on personal protective measures and controlling the vector through chemical larvicides will go a long way in breaking the triangle and reducing the incidence on the malaria disease.

The correct options is B and C.