Malaria : introduction and basics

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Its history, epidemiology, transmission, and incubation period highlight the complexity and global impact of this infectious disease.

Brief History: Malaria has been recognized as a human disease for thousands of years. Its name originates from the Italian ‘mal’aria’, meaning “bad air,” as it was once believed to be caused by foul air in marshy areas. Historical records suggest malaria may have been a significant health problem in ancient civilizations, contributing to the decline of some, such as the Roman Empire. The discovery in 1880 that malaria parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes marked a significant advance in understanding and controlling the disease.

Epidemiology: Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions where the climate favors the breeding of the mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports significant malaria burden in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and some Pacific Islands. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden.

Transmission: The disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, which occurs mainly between dusk and dawn. The...