A disease caused by a parasite that is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Malaria is common in tropical and subtropical countries. A vaccine can help prevent the disease in children who live in high-risk areas. Preventive medicine, protective clothes and insecticides can help protect travelers.

Malaria symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, upset stomach and vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the stomach area, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, rapid breathing and heart rate, and cough.

Malaria treatment involves taking prescription medicine to kill the parasite. The type of medicine and the length of treatment vary based on factors such as age, symptoms and the exact type of parasite.