Malaria

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a sickness that comes from tiny germs called parasites. These parasites are carried by special mosquitoes called Anopheles. When these mosquitoes bite a person, the parasites can get into their body and make them sick.

Where is Malaria Found?

Malaria is most common in warm places like sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It likes areas where there is a lot of standing water because mosquitoes like to breed there.

How Does Malaria Make People Sick?

When a mosquito bites, it can put parasites into a person’s blood. These parasites travel to the liver and then into the blood again. People with malaria might feel very tired, have fevers, headaches, or feel sick to their stomach. Sometimes they might even vomit.

How Can We Stop Malaria?

There are several ways to help prevent and fight malaria:

• Mosquito Nets: Using mosquito nets while sleeping can keep mosquitoes away.
• Insect Repellents: Insect repellents can stop mosquitoes from biting.
• Medicines: There are medicines that can prevent malaria for people traveling to places where malaria is common.
• Vaccines: The World Health Organization has approved vaccines to help protect children from malaria.

Fun Fact

Long ago, people in Italy called malaria "bad air" because they thought the sickness came from smoky air near swamps. Today, we know it is spread by mosquitoes!