What is maleria?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus *Plasmodium*. The disease is characterised by fever, chills, and sweating attacks, which typically occur every two to three days.

Symptoms of malaria

* Fever

* Chills

* Sweating

* Headache

* Nausea and vomiting

* Tiredness

* Muscle pain

* Abdominal pain

* Diarrhoea

* Confusion

* Coma

Causes of malaria

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus *Plasmodium*. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

The parasites multiply in the human body, first in the liver and then in the red blood cells. As the parasites multiply, they cause the red blood cells to rupture, releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream. This leads to the symptoms of malaria.

Risk factors for malaria

Anyone can get malaria, but the following people are at higher risk:

* People who live in or travel to areas where malaria is common

* Pregnant women

* Children under five years old

* People with weakened immune systems

Prevention of malaria

There is no vaccine for malaria, but there are a number of things you can do to prevent it, including:

* Using mosquito repellents

* Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants

* Staying in air-conditioned or screened rooms

* Using insecticide-treated bed nets

* Taking antimalarial medication

Treatment of malaria

Malaria is treated with medications that kill the parasites. The type of medication that is used will depend on the species of parasite that is causing the infection.

Malaria is a serious disease, but it is usually curable if it is diagnosed and treated promptly.