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Malaria is caused by Plasmodium pathogens. The pathogen is carried by and transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is important to note that there are five different species of the parasite. Malaria is mostly contracted in hot and humid countries. Fortunately, if you have been infected by this disease, it can be treated with medication. However, if you are not quick to get tested and treated, it can be fatal.

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When I first began my research on Malaria, I thought it could be transmitted by any infected mosquito. However, this is not the case. Malaria can only be transmitted by female mosquitoes, and this is because only the females feed on blood since its necessary for their egg development. When the mosquito bites a human while carrying the pathogen, she transmits the disease to the human's blood.

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All five plasmodium pathogens cause Malaria; however, each one is slightly different.

The first type is Plasmodium Falciparum. This pathogen causes the deadliest type of malaria that can lead to death if no treated quick enough. It is most common in Africa.

The second type is Plasmodium Vivax. While this one is less deadly it has relapse patterns that make you sick at different times, as it "hides" in your liver and then comes back.

The third is Plasmodium Ovale. This variety is not as common, but like Vivax, it will get you sick from time to time.

The fourth type is Plasmodium Malariae, which causes long lasting mild illness. It stays in your blood for years and can be found in tropical areas.

The last type is Plasmodium Knowlesi. This one can be found in Southeast Asia, and it makes people sick very quickly, as it multiplies in blood every 24 hours.

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Most cases of malaria occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and also in parts of Oceania and parts of Central and South America and Southeast Asia.

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The symptoms will develop within ten to fifteen days after being bitten by the mosquito. The most common ones are headaches, fever, and chills. Since Malaria symptoms aren't specific, you must get tested. More severe symptoms include extreme fatigue, convulsions, jaundice, dark or bloody urine, difficulty breathing, and more.

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There are multiple types of tests for malaria. The best place to go for one is to a healthcare provider, as they are best suited to carry these out. One test for Malaria is a blood smear microscopy. This is where a small sample of blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Another test that can be done is rapid diagnostic testing. In this test, a sample of blood is applied on a test sample pad. It can give results at around fifteen minutes. There is also a PCR test, also known as polymerase chain reaction test. A sample of either blood, saliva, mucus, or tissue is taken and heated to separate the DNA strands and help detect the DNA of the pathogen. It is important to get tested for Malaria, especially if you have recently traveled.

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There are many treatments for Malaria. Doctors will decide which one is best based on the type of malaria, whether the parasite is resistant to the medicine, or if the person being treated is pregnant. Artemisinin-based medicine is the most commonly used for Plasmodium falciparum. Chloroquine is used in treatment of infection with the P. vivax parasite only in places where it is still sensitive to this medicine. Primaquine is another treatment used to prevent relapses of infection with the P. vivax and P. ovale parasites. Most of the treatments are in the form of a pill, however there are vaccines available.

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Anyone can be at risk of contracting Malaria. However, it disproportionately affects people in poverty and in underdeveloped countries who have little to no access to medical help. Indigenous peoples who are in remote areas, far from help, along with the environment in which they live with also puts them in high risk. Pregnant women living in poor, rural areas, along with the reduced immunity due to pregnancy are at risk as well. Anyone who travels a lot, especially to tropical places is under risk.

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Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent malaria. Some ways are, taking malaria prevention tablets when traveling to an area where it is prevalent, sleeping in a well screened area, using a mosquito net, using insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers you, checking malaria risks in your area. Staying safe is very easy when you do your research!!

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To date, WHO (World Health Organization) has certified 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free, and many countries with a low rate of malaria continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. Of the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in 2023.