Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite where once an infected mosquito bites a human, the parasites multiply in the host’s liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells. In some places, early diagnosis can help treat and control malaria; however, some countries lack the resources to carry out effective screening. The biggest risk factor for developing malaria is to live in or to visit areas where the disease is common. There are many different varieties of malaria parasites and the variety that causes the most serious complications is most commonly found in African countries south of the Sahara Desert, the Asian subcontinent, in New Guinea, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

Currently, no vaccine is available for use in the United States, although one vaccine has a license in Europe. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illnesses. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.