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How common is malaria?

Malaria is uncommon in the developed world and in temperate regions, but in many areas of the world with a warm, tropical climate it is still very common. Malaria affects hundreds of millions of people yearly. It is a major cause of illness and death in Africa, particularly among young children.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is malaria?

Malaria is an infectious blood disease. Malaria parasites destroy red blood cells and interfere with the body's ability to make new red blood cells, which starves the body's vital organs of oxygen and can cause death. Parasites can also block tiny blood vessels in the …

What causes malaria?

Malaria is usually contracted by the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito. As malaria parasites are transmitted through the blood, infection can also occur when blood is exchanged between two people, such as during an organ transplant or blood transfusion, or by …

What are the signs of malaria?

The symptom most associated with a malaria infection is known as the malaria paroxysm, characterized by cycles of fever, shivering and sweating. It can appear every day in the first stages of the disease. After several weeks the cycle usually stabilizes and …

Who gets malaria?

Anyone can be infected by malaria. Groups at particular risk include people in areas where malaria is widespread, young children and pregnant women.

How is malaria diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose malaria by performing a specific blood test.

How is malaria treated?

Malaria is treated by specific anti-malarial drugs, depending on the specific circumstances of the infection.

Is malaria serious?

Malaria can cause serious harm and can even be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated in time.

Can I prevent malaria infection?

You can reduce the chance of a malaria infection by protecting yourself against mosquito bites in malarial regions, and by taking preventative anti-malarial medicine. There is currently no vaccine for malaria.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 139 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Dengue fever

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