Malaria – What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever heard a buzzing mosquito and felt a fever coming on, you might wonder if malaria is behind it. Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that live in certain mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites you, it injects tiny parasites into your bloodstream. Those parasites head straight for your liver, multiply, and then jump back into the blood, causing the classic fever spikes.

Most people think malaria only belongs in far‑away jungle settings, but it shows up in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Knowing the basics can help you spot it early and get treatment before it gets serious.

How Malaria Spreads

The culprit is the Anopheles mosquito. It likes to bite at night, so you often don’t notice the bite until the fever starts. The parasite lives only in the mosquito’s salivary glands, so a bite from a mosquito that’s never had the parasite won’t give you malaria.

Travel to an area where malaria is common raises your risk. Even a short stay in a rural village can expose you. The parasite can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, which is why prenatal care in endemic zones includes malaria screening.

Environment matters too. Stagnant water, like puddles or ditches, is a perfect breeding ground for Anopheles mosquitoes. That’s why removing standing water around homes can cut down the mosquito population and lower transmission rates.

Protecting Yourself from Malaria

The easiest defense is avoiding mosquito bites. Use insect‑repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Sleep under a bed net that’s been treated with insecticide—especially if you’re in a region without reliable screens.

Clothing can help, too. Long sleeves and pants made of tightly woven fabric act as a barrier. If you’re traveling, pack a lightweight, long‑sleeve shirt you can wear after dusk.

For many travelers, doctors recommend taking antimalarial medication before, during, and after the trip. The right drug depends on where you’re going and your health history. Common options include atovaquone‑proguanil, doxycycline, and mefloquine. Always start the pill schedule as prescribed; stopping early can leave you unprotected.

If you do get sick, act fast. Symptoms usually start 7‑30 days after the bite and include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sweating. Some people feel nauseous or have a rapid heartbeat. If you notice these signs after recent travel, seek medical care immediately. A simple blood test can confirm malaria, and most cases respond well to prescription drugs.

Treatment varies by the type of parasite and how severe the infection is. Doctors often prescribe artemisinin‑based combination therapies (ACTs) for uncomplicated malaria. More severe cases may need IV medication in a hospital. Finishing the full course, even if you feel better, prevents the parasite from returning.

Beyond individual steps, community actions matter. Spraying indoor walls with insecticide, distributing bed nets, and running public awareness campaigns have cut malaria deaths dramatically in many countries. Supporting these programs, whether by donating or volunteering, helps keep the disease in check.

Remember, malaria is preventable and treatable when you know the signs and act quickly. Keep these tips in mind next time you travel or hear about a local outbreak, and you’ll be better equipped to stay healthy.

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Written by

Edward Jepson-Randall, Sep, 23 2025