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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/malaria.html

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

Start Here

  • About Malaria (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • Malaria (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
  • Malaria From the National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Diagnosis and Tests

Prevention and Risk Factors

Treatments and Therapies

Related Issues

Clinical Trials

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

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Women

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.