Malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is spread from person to person by the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue. Early treatment of the disease is effective, but delays in treatment can cause serious complications.
Although there is no vaccine against malaria, several drugs are available to help prevent infection. The most effective way to prevent infection, however, is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 2 billion people at risk for infection resulting in 300–500 million cases of malaria each year. These cases may result in as many as 3 million deaths.
For more information, read the Center for Disease Control malaria fact sheet.
