Loistartunta

Loistartunta refers to an infection caused by the parasite *Plasmodium*, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female *Anopheles* mosquitoes. This disease is commonly known as malaria. The parasite undergoes a complex life cycle, with stages in both the mosquito vector and the human host.

Once inside the human body, the *Plasmodium* parasites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. From the liver, they invade red blood cells, causing them to rupture. This rupture of red blood cells is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of malaria, which typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, malaria can lead to anemia, respiratory distress, seizures, coma, and even death.

There are several species of *Plasmodium* that can infect humans, with *Plasmodium falciparum* being the most dangerous and prevalent in many parts of the world. Diagnosis is usually made by examining a blood smear under a microscope to detect the presence of the parasite. Effective treatments are available, primarily antimalarial drugs, but their efficacy can be affected by drug resistance. Prevention strategies include mosquito control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, as well as prophylactic medication for travelers to endemic areas. Malaria is a significant global health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.