Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Once inside the human body, the parasites travel to the liver, multiply, and then infect red blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms.
The most common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause anemia, organ failure, seizures, or even death. Among the five Plasmodium species that infect humans, Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly.
Malaria is diagnosed using blood tests, which detect the presence of the parasite. Treatment depends on the type of Plasmodium and the severity of the disease, with common medications including chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and quinine.
Prevention is key to controlling malaria. Strategies include using insecticide-treated bed nets, mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. In some cases, preventive antimalarial medications are recommended for travelers to high-risk areas.
With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures, malaria is both treatable and preventable.