Malaria is a serious disease caused by protozoan parasites called plasmodia, which are transmitted by bites from infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is most prevalent in tropical countries and is a major global health problem, with about 200 million cases a year.
Five species of plasmodia cause malaria, but the most dangerous is Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for most malaria- related deaths globally and can be fatal within about 48 hours of the first symptoms appearing if it is not treated.
Symptoms usually begin between about 7 and 18 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although occasionally they may not develop for a year or longer. The symptoms may include attacks of fever, shaking, sweating, and chills. There may also be a severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
In some types of malaria, attacks occur in cycles, with fatigue being the only symptom between attacks. However, falciparum malaria usually causes continuous fever, and an attack may rapidly lead to unconsciousness, kidney failure, or even death. Malaria is treated with antimalarial medication to destroy the parasites.
In severe cases, hospital treatment with intravenous antimalarials, a blood transfusion, or kidney dialysis may be needed.
The risk of getting malaria can be reduced by preventive antimalarial medications.
However, these do not provide complete protection against the disease, so measures to avoid mosquito bites are also important