Malaria is caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which is transmitted by mosquitoes that carry it. In humans, these parasites multiply in the liver and then attack red blood cells. Malaria is manifested by fever, headache and vomiting. These symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite. Left untreated, malaria can quickly lead to death from the circulatory disorders it causes. In many parts of the world, the parasites have become resistant to several antimalarial drugs. The main measures to control malaria include: the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying, diagnostic testing and treatment of confirmed cases with effective antimalarial drugs.
