maalaria

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne infectious disease caused primarily by *Plasmodium* parasites. The illness is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female *Anopheles* mosquitoes. Five parasite species infect humans, with *Plasmodium falciparum* being the most deadly, responsible for the majority of severe cases and deaths, particularly in Africa. Other species include *P. vivax*, *P. ovale*, *P. malariae*, and *P. knowlesi*, which primarily affects macaques but can infect humans.

Symptoms of malaria typically begin 10–15 days after infection but can appear as early as 7 days or as late as several months later. Initial signs include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria (affecting the brain), anemia, organ failure, and death. Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of blood samples, rapid diagnostic tests, or molecular methods. Treatment depends on the parasite species and severity of the disease. Antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended for *P. falciparum* infections, while chloroquine is effective against *P. vivax* and *P. ovale* in regions where resistance is low. Prevention strategies include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, antimalarial medications for high-risk travelers, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Efforts to control malaria involve global initiatives like the World Health Organization’s (WHO) *Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030*, which aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by 90% by 2030. Vaccination, such as the RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine, has shown promise but is currently recommended for use in select regions alongside other preventive measures. Research continues to improve diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to further combat the disease.