Malaria

TEM of blood cell with malaria. © Science Photo Library

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoa and usually spread by certain mosquitoes called Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a significant global health concern that leads to roughly 250 million infections every year and results in over 600,000 deaths. 

Symptoms usually begin after 7 to 15 days.

Symptoms of malaria include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • headaches
  • muscle aches
  • myalgia
  • general feeling of malaise

Key facts

Risk for people

People of all ages can be at risk in places where malaria is not common but in regions where malaria is prevalent, children under five and pregnant women are most likely to get sick from it.

How it spreads

Malaria germs can get into humans when an infected female mosquito bites them. 

The illness can also be passed through blood transfusions, organ transplants, sharing needles, or from a pregnant mother to her baby before birth.

Vaccination and treatment

There are various medicines that can be used to treat malaria. 

There are ongoing efforts to develop reliable vaccines against malaria.

Protective measures

To prevent the disease, it is necessary to:

  • before travelling to countries with malaria, ask your doctor if preventive treatment is required and if yes, which one 
  • use mosquito bed nets, especially those treated with insecticides
  • wear clothing that covers most of the body
  • apply insect repellent on the parts of the skin that are visible

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