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Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be fatal if not treated. Learn about malaria symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and global efforts to control and eliminate it.
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Although the parasite responsible for P. falciparum malaria has been in existence for 50,000–100,000 years, the population size of the parasite did not increase until about 10,000 years ago, concurrently with advances in agriculture and the development of human settlements. Close relatives of the human malaria parasites remain common in ...
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Signs and symptoms of malaria may include:
•Fever
•Chills
•General feeling of discomfort
•Headache
•Nausea and vomiting
Talk to your doctor if you experience a fever while living in or after traveling to a high-risk malaria region. If you have severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
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Mosquito transmission cycle Malaria transmission cycle
Malaria spreads when a mosquito becomes infected with the disease after biting an infected person, and the infected mosquito then bites a noninfected person. The malaria parasites enter that person's bloodstream and travel to the liver. When the parasites mature, they leave the liver and infect red blood cells.
Other modes of transmission
Because the parasites that cause malaria affect red blood cells, people can also catch malaria from exposure to infected blood, including:
The greatest risk factor for developing malaria is to live in or to visit areas where the disease is common. These include the tropical and subtropical regions of:
•Sub-Saharan Africa
•South and Southeast Asia
•Pacific Islands
•Central America and northern South America
The degree of risk depends on local malaria control, seasonal changes in malaria rates and the precautions you take to prevent mosquito bites.
Malaria can be fatal, particularly when caused by the plasmodium species common in Africa. The World Health Organization estimates that about 94% of all malaria deaths occur in Africa — most commonly in children under the age of 5.
Malaria deaths are usually related to one or more serious complications, including:
•Cerebral malaria. If parasite-filled blood cells block small blood vessels to your brain (cerebral malaria), swelling of your brain or brain damage may occur. Cerebral malaria may cause seizures and coma.
•Breathing problems. Accumulated fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema) can make it difficult to breathe.
•Organ failure. Malaria can damage the kidneys or liver or cause the spleen to rupture. Any of these conditions can be life-threatening.
•Anemia. Malaria may result in not having enough red blood cells for an adequate supply of oxygen to your body's tissues (anemia).
If you live in or are traveling to an area where malaria is common, take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, you should:
•Cover your skin. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck in your shirt, and tuck pant legs into socks.
•Apply insect repellent to skin. Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency on any exposed skin. These include repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Do not use a spray directly on your face. Do not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) on children under age 3.
•Apply repellent to clothing. Sprays containing permethrin are safe to apply to clothing.
•Malaria in the US: A Mayo Clinic expert offers insight, tips on prevention
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea and fatigue. The disease can be fatal and requires preventive measures and treatment. Learn more about the transmission cycle, risk factors, complications and prevention of malaria.
Dec 4, 2023 · Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. Learn about the different types of malaria parasites, how to prevent and treat the infection, and the global burden of the disease.
Learn about the life cycle, biology, and interactions of malaria parasites, the vectors, and the human hosts. NIAID supports research on parasite genomics, vector biology, disease pathogenesis, and human immune response to malaria. Find out how NIAID funds the global effort against malaria and its impact on human health.
Dec 4, 2023 · Learn about malaria, a febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. Find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria, and where it is most prevalent in the world.
