by Playfuls Staff |
9th March 2007
Australian scientists say they have discovered an effective treatment for a type of malaria found in the [more] Asia-Pacific region.
Researchers at the Northern Territory Menzies School of Health Research told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. the treatment for the vivax strain of malaria has been successfully tested in Papua New Guinea.
The senior member of the team, Dr. Richard Price, said the treatment combines a Chinese herbal extract with an anti-malarial drug currently being used to fight the more deadly strain of the disease in Africa.
Price said 40 percent of the world's population is at risk of vivax malaria and there are nearly 250 million cases a year in the Asia-Pacific region.
He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. not only does the new discovery treat the infection "but it also protects you from reinfection, which has special relevance for people in endemic environments."
© 2007 UPI
