Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are five types of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent, while P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria symptoms range from very mild illness to severe disease and even death. Early symptoms can include fever and flu-like illness, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If not treated quickly, the infection can become severe, and severe symptoms can include kidney failure, breathing problems, organ failure, cerebral malaria, and anemia.
Malaria is preventable and curable. The risk of malaria in the United States is very low, and people do not spread malaria to other people like the common cold or the flu. However, malaria is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent malaria, people can take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and take antimalarial medication if traveling to areas where malaria is prevalent.
