<p>Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite. You get it when an infected <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/mosquitobites.html">mosquito</a> bites you. Malaria is a major cause of death worldwide, but it is almost wiped out in the United States. The disease is mostly a problem in developing countries with warm climates. If you <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/travelershealth.html">travel</a> to these countries, you are at risk. There are four different types of malaria caused by four related parasites. The most deadly type occurs in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.</p> <p>Malaria symptoms include chills, flu-like symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. A blood test can diagnose it. It can be life-threatening. However, you can treat malaria with drugs. The type of drug depends on which kind of malaria you have and where you were infected.</p> <p>Malaria can be prevented. When traveling to areas where malaria is found:</p><ul> <li>See your doctor for medicines that protect you </li> <li>Wear insect repellent with DEET </li> <li>Cover up</li> <li>Sleep under mosquito netting </li> </ul> <p class="">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p>