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A review by darkenergy
The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years by Sonia Shah
5.0
4.5 stars
A very approachable history of malaria, one that integrates human behavior into the story more thoroughly than a more biology-oriented book would. Not that Shah skimps on the science; we do learn the basics of the parasite's life cycle, as well as the way it flourishes in only certain Anopheles vectors, which in turn are adapted to specific niches.
I think Shah makes a strong argument for her thesis; colonialism and imperialism were significantly impacted by the presence of malaria - consider the multiple failed attempts to build the Panama Canal, as well as both failed and successful invasions into Africa - without ever making it sound as if malaria by itself was the sole guidance throughout these exploits. The discussion of inequities in the historical treatment of malaria is interesting as well, because in a sense it's flipped the other way today: philanthropists like Bill Gates seem to be obsessed with connecting the end of malaria to the end of poverty (and if you aren't familiar with how the Gates Foundation has completely taken over even the WHO's approach to malaria, sometimes flying in the face of proven methodology, and not exactly doing a great job of letting locals take the lead, you should read up on it).
In general the narrative is the interwoven story of scientific advancements - including a number of significant missteps - with historical episodes where malaria had an outsized impact. There's also excellent segments detailing her experiences with the groups where malaria is endemic, because their reaction to it is so different from the way we in the West approach it. (On a related note, I found out one of my uncles had dengue over the summer and was like, how was this not major news?! Answer: because, while it's considered sensible to avoid excessive outdoor exposure during a dengue outbreak, it's not the worst thing to happen in tropical areas.)
I am curious as to how much of the malaria story ties into generalities around tropical diseases during these time periods - granted, Shah does highlight the unique challenges around a disease whose parasite goes through, what, 7 different forms and multiple species.
That said, I totally relate to the bits about being the most delicious morsel when you go visit your relatives overseas. (My asshole cousin always snuck into the mosquito net, so I just slathered myself with Odomos before bed.)
A very approachable history of malaria, one that integrates human behavior into the story more thoroughly than a more biology-oriented book would. Not that Shah skimps on the science; we do learn the basics of the parasite's life cycle, as well as the way it flourishes in only certain Anopheles vectors, which in turn are adapted to specific niches.
I think Shah makes a strong argument for her thesis; colonialism and imperialism were significantly impacted by the presence of malaria - consider the multiple failed attempts to build the Panama Canal, as well as both failed and successful invasions into Africa - without ever making it sound as if malaria by itself was the sole guidance throughout these exploits. The discussion of inequities in the historical treatment of malaria is interesting as well, because in a sense it's flipped the other way today: philanthropists like Bill Gates seem to be obsessed with connecting the end of malaria to the end of poverty (and if you aren't familiar with how the Gates Foundation has completely taken over even the WHO's approach to malaria, sometimes flying in the face of proven methodology, and not exactly doing a great job of letting locals take the lead, you should read up on it).
In general the narrative is the interwoven story of scientific advancements - including a number of significant missteps - with historical episodes where malaria had an outsized impact. There's also excellent segments detailing her experiences with the groups where malaria is endemic, because their reaction to it is so different from the way we in the West approach it. (On a related note, I found out one of my uncles had dengue over the summer and was like, how was this not major news?! Answer: because, while it's considered sensible to avoid excessive outdoor exposure during a dengue outbreak, it's not the worst thing to happen in tropical areas.)
I am curious as to how much of the malaria story ties into generalities around tropical diseases during these time periods - granted, Shah does highlight the unique challenges around a disease whose parasite goes through, what, 7 different forms and multiple species.
That said, I totally relate to the bits about being the most delicious morsel when you go visit your relatives overseas. (My asshole cousin always snuck into the mosquito net, so I just slathered myself with Odomos before bed.)