Malaria Summary Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite. You get it when an infected mosquito bites you. Malaria is a major cause of death worldwide, but it is almost wiped out in the United States. The disease is mostly a problem in developing countries with warm climates. If you travel to these countries, you are at risk. There are four different types of malaria caused by four related parasites. The most deadly type occurs in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Malaria symptoms include chills, flu-like symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. A blood test can diagnose it. It can be life-threatening. However, you can treat malaria with drugs. The type of drug depends on which kind of malaria you have and where you were infected. Malaria can be prevented. When traveling to areas where malaria is found See your doctor for medicines that protect you Wear insect repellent with DEET Cover up Sleep under mosquito netting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Prevention and Risk Factors Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mefloquine (Lariam) Department of Veterans Affairs Mosquito Control Environmental Protection Agency Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Malaria National Institutes of Health Treatments and Therapies Counterfeit and Substandard Antimalarial Drugs Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Malaria Treatment (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Start Here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malaria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Malaria American Academy of Family Physicians Understanding Malaria National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Understanding Malaria: Fighting an Ancient Scourge National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Array Malaria Children Malaria (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Related Issues Malaria and Travelers Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Using Malaria Medication for Leg Cramps Is Risky Food and Drug Administration Statistics and Research Malaria Facts Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Malaria Research National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Shape of Key Malaria Protein Could Help Improve Vaccine Efficacy National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Symptoms Malaria Symptoms National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Find an Expert National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases World Health Organization World Health Organization Women New Recommendations for Mefloquine Use in Pregnancy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Games Play the Mosquito Game Nobel Foundation Journal Articles Malaria Latest News Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise in Small Study HealthDay
