In Malaysia, a newly identified malaria parasite similar to HIV has already infected thousands. Originating from monkeys, this mosquito-borne parasitic threat is emerging from the lush rainforest to infect humans. Scientists are now investigating the situation amid fears that it could eventually spread between humans.
While Malaysia has eliminated ‘normal’ malaria, since 2011, over 25,000 people in the region have contracted the simian parasite, which causes intense nausea, malaise, fever, and sometimes death.Will there be a persistent spread of this monkey malaria and human-to-human transmission in the near future?
Hear from Assoc Prof Kimberly Fornace as she shares her expert opinion on disease transmission and malaria elimination.
Photo credits: Mailee Osten-Tan