Malaria is the deadliest mosquito-borne disease globally, killing approximately 600,000 people per year — predominantly young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which feed primarily at night.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for over 90% of global cases, but risk also exists in parts of South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Risk is concentrated in rural and semi-rural areas — major cities in endemic countries often have minimal transmission.
Unlike viral mosquito-borne diseases, malaria is both preventable with prophylactic medication and treatable if caught early. Travelers to endemic regions should consult a travel clinic for antimalarial prescriptions before departure.
Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus (Africa), An. stephensi (South Asia/Middle East), An. dirus and An. minimus (Southeast Asia) — all night-biting species.
Young children under 5, pregnant women, and travelers without immunity are most vulnerable. Around 600,000 people die from malaria each year. The right precautions and prophylaxis make all the difference.
Malaria is recorded in 66 countries in our database. Click any country for the full Mozzwise briefing covering local seasonality, regional risk, and prevention.
Disease information is sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and OpenDengue. Not medical advice. Personal decisions on diagnosis, treatment, vaccinations, or medication belong with a qualified healthcare professional.