How a protein contributes to blood vessel damage in the brain in patients with malaria

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Research examines how a protein may contribute to brain blood-vessel damage in patients with malaria, including cases where patients die despite receiving medication. The article also highlights the disease’s global toll, citing more than 280 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with most deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there were more than 280 million cases in 2024, with 610,000 people dying from the parasitic infection. Ninety-five percent of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where children under the age of 5 are particularly affected. Prompt treatment is crucial. Nevertheless, some patients die from malaria even when treated with medication.