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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Malaria produces recurrent attacks of chills and fever. Caused by a parasite that's transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria kills about 1 million people each year worldwide.

While the disease is uncommon in temperate climates, malaria is still prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. World health officials are trying to reduce the incidence of malaria by distributing bed nets to help protect people from mosquito bites as they sleep. A vaccine to prevent malaria is currently under development.

If you're traveling to locations where malaria is common, take preventive medicine before, during and after your trip. Many malaria parasites are now immune to the most common drugs used to treat the disease.

References
  1. Ashraf A, et al. Malaria. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/199988049-9/0/2088/391.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--sc0015_8054. Accessed May 7, 2010.
  2. Krogstad DJ. Malaria. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/199988049-9/0/1492/1254.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50371-2--cesec19_15544. Accessed May 7, 2010.
  3. Malaria: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html. Accessed May 10, 2010.
  4. Malaria vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/features/vaccines.html. Accessed May 7, 2010.
  5. Arguin PM, et al. Prevention of malaria infection in travelers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 7, 2010.
  6. Breman JG. Clinical manifestations of malaria. http://www.uptodate.com/html/index.html. Accessed May 11, 2010.
  7. Malaria diagnosis (United States). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/diagnosis.html. Accessed May 11, 2010.
  8. Treatment of malaria (guidelines for clinicians). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/clinicalguidance.pdf. Accessed May 11, 2010.
DS00475 July 31, 2010

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