Malaria threat in Malaysia currently comes from macaques
In Malaysia, there has been an increase in zoonotic malaria cases, often in forested areas where humans and macaques share habitats. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY
Malaria threat in Malaysia currently comes from macaques
KUALA LUMPUR - World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25, with the World Health Organization (WHO) selecting a different theme each year to highlight key aspects of malaria prevention and control.
The theme for 2025 is 'Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite', calling for renewed global commitment and innovation in the fight to eliminate malaria.
While significant progress has been made, challenges such as drug resistance, climate change and zoonotic malaria continue to threaten malaria control efforts.
To achieve a malaria-free future, there is an urgent need to reinvest in research and healthcare, reimagine new solutions, and reignite a global commitment to reduce the burden of this disease worldwide.
From macaques to humans
Zoonotic malaria, primarily caused by the parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, is transmitted to humans when an Anopheles mosquito feeds on infected macaques and subsequently bites a human.
It represents a significant challenge because zoonotic malaria introduces a new dynamic in malaria transmission, where the primary host is not human, but wildlife, making it more difficult to control and predict.
Countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have seen an increase in P. knowlesi malaria cases, often in forested areas where humans and macaques share habitats.
The rise in zoonotic malaria has been linked to factors such as deforestation, land-use changes, and the expansion of human settlements into previously untouched wildlife areas.
These environmental changes facilitate closer contact between humans, mosquitoes and macaques, increasing the likelihood of zoonotic transmission.
As such, this form of malaria presents a unique public health challenge that requires a broader focus on environmental health and wildlife conservation.
The situation in Malaysia
Malaysia has made remarkable progress in the fight against malaria, particularly with the successful eradication of indigenous human malaria since 2018.
The country has significantly reduced malaria transmission, largely due to improved public health measures, widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and effective antimalarial treatments.
However, the rise of zoonotic malaria is increasingly challenging this success.
This shift highlights the complex nature of malaria transmission and the evolving landscape of the disease in Malaysia.
The rise in P. knowlesi malaria has been particularly pronounced in East Malaysia, where the infection is closely linked to deforestation, agricultural expansion and human encroachment into macaque habitats.
The close proximity of humans to macaques and their shared environments has significantly increased the risk of zoonotic transmission.
P. knowlesi, which naturally infects macaques, is now the dominant malaria species in this region.
Several states in Peninsular Malaysia, such as Kelantan, have also reported an increasing number of zoonotic malaria cases, particularly in rural areas.
While P. knowlesi remains the primary zoonotic malaria parasite of concern in Malaysia, the emergence of other zoonotic malaria species, such as Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui in humans, has added a new dimension of complexity to the country's malaria elimination efforts.
Influencing factors
The factors contributing to the increase in zoonotic malaria are complex and multifactorial, encompassing environmental, ecological, socioeconomic and behavioural elements.
One of the most significant factors contributing to the rise of zoonotic malaria is deforestation and human encroachment into wildlife habitats.
As human populations expand and agricultural activities increase, forests are being cleared for farming, logging and infrastructure development.
This land-use change brings humans into closer proximity with macaques, increasing the likelihood of zoonotic spillover.
Climate change also plays a critical role in shaping the spread of zoonotic malaria.
Temperature, rainfall patterns and humidity affect the lifecycle and distribution of both mosquitoes and the Plasmodium parasite.
Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns can expand the geographical range of Anopheles mosquitoes, bringing them into new areas where malaria was not previously a concern.
Additionally, climate change can alter macaque behaviour and migration patterns, pushing these animals into new areas where they come into contact with human populations and increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission, especially with the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes in these areas.
While traditional vector control measures such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying and larval source management have been effective in controlling human malaria, they may be less effective against zoonotic malaria.
This is mainly because the primary mosquito vectors are outdoor biters (exophagic) and typically feed outside human dwellings.
As a result, indoor-based strategies like insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, offer limited protection against these vectors.
Preventive measures
Preventing zoonotic malaria requires proactive measures to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes and macaques in areas where the disease is prevalent.
Many ecotourism activities, such as hiking and wildlife observation, take place in forested or jungle areas that can be high-risk zones for zoonotic malaria transmission.
One of the most effective ways to prevent such infections is to avoid entering forested areas, especially during the peak mosquito-biting times, which are typically at dawn and dusk.
If entering such areas is unavoidable, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions, such as taking prophylactic drugs.
Wearing the right protective clothing is also a simple, yet highly effective measure against mosquito bites.
When entering a jungle where zoonotic malaria is a risk, it is important to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks to minimise exposed skin.
Light-coloured clothing is also recommended, as mosquitoes are generally more attracted to dark colours.
Clothing made from tightly woven fabrics provides an added barrier against mosquito bites, further reducing the risk of infection.
In addition, using insect repellents containing DEET, which is a chemical compound officially known as N,N-Dieth yl-meta-toluamide, or picaridin can significantly reduce the chances of mosquito bites.
These repellents should be applied to exposed skin, especially when hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities in areas with a high risk of zoonotic malaria.
It is also advisable to treat clothing and gear with insect repellent to provide additional protection.
If someone develops a fever, chills, headache or other symptoms resembling malaria after engaging in jungle-related activities or visiting areas where zoonotic malaria is known to occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital in preventing the progression of the disease to more severe forms.
Stronger multi-sectoral collaborations in combating zoonotic malaria through the integration of the One Health approach are also vital.
This includes strengthening surveillance and diagnostic capabilities in the human health sector, monitoring infection in macaque populations and implementing targeted vector control strategies.
Environmental management, such as reducing deforestation and limiting human-wildlife contact, also plays a key role.
By fostering collaboration among public health, veterinary and environmental agencies, the One Health approach offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution to reduce the risk of transmission and support long-term control of zoonotic malaria. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Independent Singapore
Australian FB page linking Bill Gates' SG trip with vaccine mandate fact-checked; MOH debunks claims
SINGAPORE: Following an Australian Facebook account's connection last month between the recent visit to Singapore of billionaire businessman Bill Gates and a reported vaccine mandate, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a clarification to debunk this. 'There are social media posts claiming that Singapore has enacted laws to mandate vaccines and jail unvaccinated individuals following Mr Bill Gates' recent visit to Singapore. This is false. Singapore has not passed any laws on vaccinations after Mr Gates' recent visit to Singapore,' wrote MOH in a statement on Jun 3. Moreover, AFP has also fact-checked the post put up by the page, Catholic Perspective, on May 12, as containing falsehoods. The page had shared a link to an article from a site called The People's Voice, the headline of which reads 'Singapore Passes Law to Mandate Vaccines and Jail the Unvaccinated—Days After Bill Gates' High-Level Visit.' On Jun 4, AFP characterised the site as dubious and noted that it had fact-checked The People's Voice several times in the past when it amplified misinformation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, when an article on the site claimed that the World Health Organization (WHO) and Mr Gates were forcing people to get vaccinated, AFP issued another fact-check, which can be found here . The article from The People's Voice carried a photo of Mr Gates shaking hands with Singapore Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong, as well as another of PM Wong with Tedros Ghebreyesus, the secretary-general of the WHO. The founder of Microsoft visited Singapore in early May and spoke at the Philanthropy Asia Summit, where he announced that the Gates Foundation is opening an office in Singapore, its first in Southeast Asia, with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). In 2000, together with his then-wife, he created the foundation, one of the largest charities around the globe. It focuses on development and has spent billions of dollars on public health endeavours across the globe. 'Asian innovation is part of the reason why I am so excited about the progress we can make in health. Some of the lower-cost vaccines are produced in India and Indonesia, but beyond cost, it is more about the cutting-edge work that can be found in the region,' he said in his speech. PM Wong wrote in a Facebook post that he and Mr Gates 'had a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges ahead, from clean energy to vaccine development. Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives — here in Asia and around the world.' /TISG Read related: 'Concerned Citizen' from 'Healing the Divide' wants Bill Gates to be investigated under FICA
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Straits Times
Protect workers from heat waves or face fines, Japan tells firms
TOKYO - Tougher rules being enforced in Japan will see employers fined if they fail to take adequate precautions to protect workers from extreme temperatures. The revised legislation, which came into effect on June 1, is a rare global example of a national-level policy on heat safety for employees, and comes after 30 workplace deaths and roughly 1,200 injuries last year associated with high temperatures, according to health ministry data. Most of those affected worked in construction or manufacturing. Japan's government moved to strengthen protections following last summer's searing heat – which included the highest July temperatures on record, the ministry said in a statement. Businesses will face potential penalties including fines of ¥500,000 (S$4,500) if provisions are not sufficient. Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high body temperature that can result in severe organ damage if not treated quickly. There were almost half a million heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, according to a report last year by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Along with public health impacts, higher temperatures can impact worker productivity and there's growing concern about the economic toll that heat waves have on economies. Global average temperatures exceeded 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024 and new highs are forecast to be recorded over the next five years, according the World Meteorological Organisation. Japan's legislation requires employers to implement protocols to quickly spot and aid workers showing symptoms of heatstroke. Policies encourage companies to use a buddy system at work sites, distribute wearable devices to monitor staff, and provide emergency transportation to hospitals or clinics. Employers are urged to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index, a gauge of heat stress in direct sunlight that takes into account factors like temperature and humidity. Specific measures are required for work sites where the index value exceeds 28 deg C or an atmospheric temperature of 31 deg C for more than one hour, or for a total of four hours or more in a single day. A worker performing moderate work intensity loses half of their work capacity at 33 deg C to 34 deg C, according to a 2019 study from the International Labour Organisation. The same report estimated the economic impact of heat stress by 2030 at US$2.4 trillion (S$3.1 trillion) if greenhouse gas emissions aren't cut. 'We are working on measures such as taking breaks according to the heat index and measuring internal body temperature using wearable devices,' said a spokesperson for Shimizu Corp, one of the nation's largest general contractors, which employs more than 20,000 people. The company said it is constantly updating its heatstroke policies. Parcel delivery service Yamato Transport Company plans to distribute 75,000 fan-equipped vests to workers, including those who use carts and bicycles to drop off packages. It is also installing 3,000 wet bulb index measuring devices at business locations to better track working conditions. The measures are not in response to the new law, the company said. California and Washington are among US states to have developed similar rules on worker protections, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed setting a federal standard. There were an average 40 recorded fatalities a year in the US related to environmental heat between 2011 and 2020, according to the Department of Labor. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
30-05-2025
- Business Times
How ‘longevity' became the new buzzword in health
AT A time when many of us might feel powerless to influence world events, perhaps it's not surprising that our society is trying ever harder to exercise the ultimate form of personal control: over our own mortality. The desire for a long – even eternal – life is nothing new (China's first emperor and creator of the Terracotta Army, Qin Shi Huang, ordered subjects to search for the elixir of everlasting life). Now, however, this impulse is coalescing around one particular buzzword: longevity. It's a timely topic, given that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12 per cent to 22 per cent, according to the World Health Organization. But beyond its most basic definition, the word 'longevity' has acquired myriad new associations. Now, established ways to improve your chances of living longer – such as giving up smoking, exercising more, not getting lonely – aren't as attention-grabbing as commercialised, often competitive, approaches to extending your life. Many approaches are constructive, such as that of Andrew J Scott, professor of economics at London Business School and author of The Longevity Imperative, who focuses on 'healthy longevity', and posits that there are other markers of ageing beyond chronological age. But increasingly, the term is cropping up in marketing speak and in the luxury and lifestyle worlds. We now have hotels such as the Longevity Health and Wellness Hotel in the Algarve; a Longevity Lounge at wellness clinic Cloud Twelve in London, with biohacking gadgets such as a space-age-looking red light therapy helmet designed to promote hair growth and reduce brain fog. And then there's the Corinthia hotel's partnership with the London Regenerative Institute, offering everything from epigenetic testing aimed at determining how fast you are ageing, to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dior's L'Or de Vie La Creme (£1,400, or S$2,400, for 50ml) contains 'Golden Drop Life Technology', a 'longevity elixir'; while this month, Swiss 'longevity brand' Loya launched moisturisers and serums that it says will bring 'a completely new category of wellness to the UK market'. Apparently, 'proprietary HappyFeelBoost technology' will rejuvenate skin and lift your mood. Any resemblance to the 'hypnopaedic' slogans in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is purely coincidental. This year, Alex Hawkins, director of strategic foresight at The Future Laboratory, co-authored a report produced by The Future Laboratory in partnership with Together Group, about how luxury is embracing longevity. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Hawkins tells me that a key character in taking the concept mainstream is super-rich biohacker Bryan Johnson, the subject of the Netflix documentary Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, and whose bid to reverse ageing has involved futuristic and dystopian strategies such as receiving blood transfusions from his teenage son. Then there's the research around Blue Zones – global communities with a high concentration of people living to an advanced age, the subject of another Netflix documentary released in 2023. Biohacker Bryan Johnson's bid to reverse ageing has involved futuristic and dystopian strategies such as receiving blood transfusions from his teenage son. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG Hawkins says: 'Those two things open up an interesting split in the longevity conversation. On the one hand you have this high-tech, science-driven approach where someone is actively throwing quite a lot of money and technology at understanding and optimising their own ageing process; and on the other, with the Blue Zones, it's a radically back-to-basics approach to health. A lot of the reasons that we see people living longer in Blue Zones are really foundational things, like having strong community ties and eating relatively unprocessed diets.' However, Johnson's Rejuvenation Olympics – a competition that encourages participants to measure their 'biological age' and upload it to a public leaderboard – demonstrates a competitive element to longevity pursuits. They have become a fitness flex, just like posting Insta pictures of yourself doing burpees as part of a Hyrox race. Where once people would brag about being 'crazy busy' or pulling an all-nighter at work, now, logging eight hours of sleep on your Oura ring score carries more cachet. There's been such a culture shift that it seems extraordinary now that live fast, die young was ever considered a cool rock'n'roll mantra. Hawkins says the Future Laboratory report was exploring 'this idea that you and your quality of life are ultimately your greatest investment. It's definitely a status symbol in that way. Perhaps in the future it won't be so much about the designer handbag, it's more what treatments you have access to, what means you have to take control over your ageing.' As consumers prioritise experiences over products, high-end fashion and beauty brands are following suit, aiming to offer what The Future Laboratory calls 'a new paradigm of transformational luxury'. Often, that might seem as much about looking younger for longer, as much as the prospect of actually living longer. Not that it's limited to the highest end of the market. According to McKinsey's latest 2025 Future of Wellness Report, up to 60 per cent of consumers report that healthy ageing is a 'top' or 'very important' priority'. It notes that 'products and services have emerged to address these needs, including skincare products targeting long-term skin health and wrinkle prevention, supplements that claim to slow cellular ageing, epigenetic age-testing kits, virtual physical therapy solutions, and more'. But is the word longevity really set to stay in the conversation? Or like the increasingly woolly 'wellness', will its meaning be diluted until it's used to describe random products in the outer reaches of Amazon? Anyone for a pair of marshmallow-pink-coloured Warmies, described as heatable wellness boots, scented with French lavender? In other words, does longevity have longevity? Anna Pione, a partner at McKinsey in New York, says: 'Where I think there is risk of a fad is in specific applications of what longevity means. Right now, like wellness, it's an extremely broad term... Do I think it will have the same prevalence in marketing language a few years from now? That's open for debate. It depends on whether some of these products and services really take hold and if consumers continue to see the value, as to whether you might see more of it.' While longevity is predicted to be a growth area in hospitality, plenty of the major players seem measured in their use of the tag. Perhaps wanting to tap into its zeitgeisty vibes without overcommitting, should it become supplanted by another new term. The Soho Health Club, part of the Soho House Group, states on its website that facilities are 'designed to encourage performance and promote holistic wellness and longevity', via treatments such as contrast therapy (ice baths, infrared sauna) and IV drips including NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a molecule favoured by various celebrities for anti-ageing). However, Thiago Alves, Soho Health Club's UK manager, says: 'I don't necessarily have any member coming to me asking for longevity treatments. I think members are more curious about health optimisation, they want to live longer, they want to live better. They want to have a good time with us... we use quite a few words, but we don't necessarily use the word longevity so explicitly.' The Dorchester Collection has revamped its spa at Coworth Park. Teresa O'Farrell, its global head of wellness and spa, who was part of the process, is also measured in her approach to namechecking longevity. 'It is something we talk about but we're not using it as a buzzword.' In fact she still talks about 'wellness' because it's 'the journey to longevity'. 'There are lots of extreme therapies, but Coworth Park is a countryside estate and we know that being in nature is good for physical and mental wellness, so that is part of longevity,' she says. 'You hear the birds, smell the fresh air the, trees, the grass, the flowers. As people walk up the path to the spa they are already reducing their stress.' McKinsey's Anna Pione also emphasises that consumers will need to feel short-term benefits from products that promote longevity. Not everyone wants to wait half a century or more to find out if those supplements do what they say on the tin. FINANCIAL TIMES
