"LifeLine," Hosted by Joan Lunden, is Producing a Series on Malaria

Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 17, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Estimated to cause three hundred to five hundred clinical cases and nearly one million deaths a year, Malaria is a major health problem in much of the Tropics and Sub-Tropics, particularly in South Africa, South East Asia and South America. Malaria is an infectious blood disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and can also be transmitted via blood transfusions and congenitally from a mother to her unborn child. Young children contribute to a bulk of malaria deaths worldwide as they have not yet developed protective immunity against most severe forms of the disease. Symptoms which often appear 10 to 14 days after infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. The first symptoms may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, malaria can progress to severe illness often leading to death.

The Public Television series, LifeLine, seeks to raise awareness on Malaria disease. Though it causes nearly one million deaths a year, Malaria is preventable and treatable. No vaccine is available, but personal protection against mosquito bites is the first line of defense in malaria prevention. Effective forms of prevention include Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets and Indoor Spraying with Residual Insecticides. In addition, there are medications available for individuals planning to travel to regions prone to Malaria. Treatment of malaria depends on many factors including disease severity, the species of malaria parasite causing the infection and the part of the world in which the infection was acquired. These factors help determine if the organism is resistant to certain antimalarial drugs. Additional factors such as age, weight, and pregnancy status may limit the available options for malaria treatment. LifeLine hopes to bring awareness to this disease and asks individuals to contact organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) if you are planning international travel to learn about the specific risks in that geographic area.

*LifeLine and its programming are not affiliated with PBS. Our programs are independently produced and distributed to Public Television affiliate stations nationwide.

About LifeLine:

LifeLine is a compelling series distributed to Public Television nationwide. Each program addresses the latest issues impacting society today. For more information, visit us online at www.lifelineps.com.

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