malari

Malari, also known as *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 can infect humans—*P. falciparum*, *P. vivax*, *P. ovale*, *P. malariae*, and *P. knowlesi*—with *P. falciparum* being the most deadly and responsible for the majority of severe cases and deaths.

Symptoms of malaria typically appear 10 to 15 days after infection but can vary depending on the parasite species. Initial signs include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue. In severe cases, particularly with *P. falciparum*, complications such as cerebral malaria, anemia, organ failure, and death can occur if untreated. Children under five and pregnant women are at the highest risk of severe disease.

Malaria is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Prevention strategies include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, antimalarial medications for at-risk travelers, and mosquito control measures. Vaccination efforts, such as the RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine, have been introduced in some regions to complement existing interventions.

Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests, such as microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which detect parasite antigens or DNA. Treatment involves antimalarial drugs, with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) recommended for *P. falciparum* due to their effectiveness and resistance to single-drug regimens. Public health initiatives, including surveillance and early treatment, play a crucial role in reducing malaria transmission and mortality.

Global efforts, such as those led by the World Health Organization (WHO), have contributed to a decline in malaria cases and deaths over the past two decades. However, challenges such as drug resistance, limited access to healthcare in remote areas, and climate change continue to pose obstacles to malaria elimination. Continued research, funding, and international cooperation remain essential to control and ultimately eradicate the disease.