"Malaria 101: What You Need to Know About this Deadly Disease

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a leading cause of illness and death. According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with 409,000 deaths. This represents a significant reduction in cases and deaths over the past two decades, thanks in large part to efforts to control and eliminate the disease. However, much more needs to be done to bring an end to this devastating disease. Symptoms of malaria typically develop within 7-30 days after infection, and can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and nausea. In severe cases, the disease can progress to coma or death. The severity of the disease can vary depending on the species of parasite that causes the infection, as wel...