By Fortunate Masikati- Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

Symptoms
Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, organ failure.

Prevention strategies include:

• Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)
• Indoor residual spraying (IRS)
• Antimalarial meds for high-risk groups. Malaria risk factors include:
• Living in or traveling to high-risk areas (e.g., Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe)
• Poor sanitation and drainage
• Lack of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs)
• Outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk, dawn)
• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, pregnancy)
• Age (children under 5, elderly)
• Occupation (outdoor work, mining, farming) Malaria can lead to serious complications, including:
• Cerebral malaria: Brain swelling, seizures, coma, and death
• Severe anaemia: Low red blood cell count, fatigue, weakness
• Kidney failure: Acute kidney injury or failure
• Respiratory distress: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Liver dysfunction: Jaundice, liver failure
• Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially in severe cases

Prompt treatment is key to preventing these complications.