What is malaria?
Malaria is a communicable disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium. It spreads through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
Malaria mainly affects the liver and red blood cells.
Caused by Plasmodium parasite
Spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes
When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and multiplies inside the body.
Common symptoms include:
High fever
Chills and shivering
Sweating
Headache
Weakness and fatigue
Body pain
Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms may appear in repeated cycles.
Mosquito bites an infected person
Parasite enters the mosquito
Mosquito bites a healthy person
Parasite spreads into the bloodstream
Malaria does not spread directly from one person to another through normal contact.
Malaria can be prevented by:
Using mosquito nets
Applying mosquito repellents
Wearing full-sleeved clothes
Avoiding stagnant water
Using insecticides and mosquito control measures
Malaria is treated using antimalarial medicines. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications.
Controlling malaria helps:
Reduce deaths and illness
Protect communities from outbreaks
Improve public health
Mosquito control and awareness programs are important for malaria prevention.