Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoa. The malaria parasite, plasmodium, is a protozoon, which lives as a parasite on humans, monkeys, and the Anopheles mosquito. A female Anopheles mosquito bites (portal of exit) a person (reservoir) who has been infected with malaria parasites (infectious agent), which resides in the person’s blood. The mosquito then passes these parasites on when it bites an uninfected person, thus infecting the person. Malaria can also spread during blood transfusions or through use of infected needles.

Places with a hot and humid climate are perfect breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, hence tropical lands are a high-risk area for malaria. People living around stagnant water are also at high risk of receiving an infection from this mosquito.

Healthcare professionals should educate people about how they might get malaria and how they can prevent contracting this disease. People at high risk should use a mosquito repellent or mosquito nets to avoid the insects. Medical equipment and instruments including needles require sterilization before use, and they require proper disposal. Anti-malarial drugs are an effective treatment. Although isolation is not required because this disease can’t spread through touch or through the air, the patient should remain in a clean environment, away from mosquito breeding grounds.