What is Malaria

Posted by Mosquito Squad
What is Malaria

December 20, 2023

April 25 is World Malaria Day, an event that promotes malaria prevention and control. At Mosquito Squad, we take malaria seriously. We want to teach you about malaria and the dangers associated with it. You can take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others against malaria.

Now, let's answer some of the biggest questions surrounding malaria.

What Is Malaria Exactly?

Malaria is a fatal disease, with about 2,000 cases reported annually in the United States. It is caused by a parasite that can infect mosquitoes that bite humans.

People can get malaria from an infected female Anopheles mosquito. In this instance, the mosquito must have been infected with malaria through a previous blood meal taken from an infected person.

What Are the Symptoms of Malaria?

Common malaria symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Chills
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If malaria symptoms are not immediately diagnosed and treated, an individual can experience a loss of red blood cells, resulting in anemia and jaundice (when the skin and eyes start to look yellow). In addition, long-lasting malaria symptoms can lead to kidney failure, seizures, and death.

Is Malaria Preventable?

No one is immune to malaria. People are susceptible to malaria if they get bit by an infected mosquito. Or, people are prone to malaria if they get a blood transfusion from someone dealing with malaria. A mother coping with malaria can transmit it to their infant before or during pregnancy, too.

Where in the World Is Malaria Prevalent?

Malaria is prevalent in more than 100 countries and territories. Some of the most common areas where malaria transmission occurs include:

  • Africa
  • South Asia
  • Central America
  • South America
  • The Caribbean
  • Southeast Asia
  • The Middle East
  • Oceania

Are We at Risk for Malaria in Atlanta?

Atlanta was once a top area for malaria transmission in the United States. Today, many measures have been taken to limit and prevent malaria transmission in Atlanta and other cities and towns nationwide.

Of course, mosquitoes remain problematic for Atlanta residents and business operators. If you want help dealing with mosquitoes in Atlanta, Mosquito Squad can help.

Our team can teach you about the 7 T's of mosquito control. From here, we can provide you with a mosquito barrier treatment that helps you protect your property against mosquitoes and other outdoor pests.

Get Started with Mosquito Squad Today

If you are concerned about malaria, Mosquito Squad can help. We offer a wide range of Atlanta mosquito control services. And we can help you keep your property safe against mosquitoes and other outdoor pests long into the future.

While malaria might not be a threat in your Atlanta backyard, mosquitoes are annoying and do carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile Virus and EEE. Don't fret! Our treatment can reduce mosquitoes by 85-90%, no matter its species. Call our team today to request a free quote for Atlanta mosquito control services.