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Malaria
Malaria is a debilitating and at times fatal disease. Evolving alongside humans for thousands of years, malaria has had a dramatic impact on human genetics. In areas where the disease is prevalent, natural selection has favored the emergence of potentially deadly blood disorders such as the sickle cell trait, which helps to protect against malaria. Along with its genetic effects, the disease has had a significant impact on world politics and economic development.
Malaria existed among the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, and was known to the Greeks and Romans. Until the years surrounding World War II, malaria was widespread in the southern United States and in parts of southern Europe. The U.S. federal government’s fight against the disease culminated in the creation of the Centers for ...
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