Definition and overview of malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.

1. Definition: Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick, with a high fever and shaking chills.

2. Overview: Each year, approximately 210 million people are infected with malaria, and about 440,000 people die from the disease. Most of the people who die from the disease are young children in Africa.

3. Cause: Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite can be spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are many different types of Plasmodium parasite, but only five types cause malaria in humans.

4. Symptoms: The symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting. They usually appear 10-15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

5. Prevention and Cure: Malaria can be prevented by using mosquito nets and insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and taking antimalarial medicines. Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on the type of malaria, where the person was infected, their age, whether they are pregnant, and how sick they are.