Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasites travel to the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to cycles of fever and chills. Common symptoms include high fever, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and anemia, and symptoms often occur in repeating patterns. Severe cases can result in complications such as organ failure, cerebral malaria, or death, particularly in young children and individuals without prior immunity. Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and preventive measures include mosquito control, protective clothing, insect repellents, and prophylactic medications when traveling to high-risk areas.
