MALARIA IS A SERIOUS DISEASE

Malaria Basics

Malaria is a serious Usually, people get The U.S. reports Overall, the risk of
disease caused by a malaria by being about 2,000 cases malaria in the U.S.
parasite that infects bitten by an infective of malaria each is very low.
a certain type of mosquito. Malaria year. Most of these
mosquito. is not spread from cases are in people
person-to-person traveling to or from
like a cold or the areas where malaria
flu, and it cannot be transmission occurs.
sexually transmitted.

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, such as chills, headache,
muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. If not
treated quickly, the infection can become severe.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider
immediately.
 Testing and Treatment

A healthcare provider can Malaria can be cured with If left untreated or treatment is
evaluate you and test for prescription drugs available significantly delayed, malaria
malaria if they are concerned. in the U.S. can be deadly.

Prevention

Avoid areas with high
mosquito activity,
especially during
the late evening
and at night when
the mosquitoes that
spread malaria are
more likely to bite.
Use Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA)-registered
insect repellents.
Wear loose-fitting, Keep windows and
long-sleeved shirts doors closed or
and pants. covered with screens
to keep mosquitoes
out of your house.

Repair broken Empty standing If you are traveling There are two
screening on water at least once to an area outside vaccines available
windows, doors, a week to prevent of the US where to prevent malaria
porches, and patios. mosquitos from malaria occurs, talk in children at risk in
laying eggs. to your healthcare Africa— where the
provider about burden of malaria is
malaria prevention greatest. However,
medication. the vaccines are not
available for use in
the U.S.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about malaria: www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html
Learn more about how to prevent mosquito bites: www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/
mosquito-bites/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
Learn more about how to control mosquitos inside and outside your home:
www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/athome/index.html