Distilling the science of malaria

We assimilate malaria research and communicate key findings in podcast form.

Along the way, we interview scientists and decision-makers from around the world.

Distilling the science of malaria

We assimilate malaria research and communicate key findings in podcast form.

Along the way, we interview scientists and decision-makers from around the world.

Malaria Minute

The Latest Malaria News, in 60 Seconds.

Malaria Minute

The Latest Malaria News, in 60 Seconds.

In September 2021, the Malaria Minute was rebranded the Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute.

Listen Now or Read the Announcement

Dr Katharine Collins
Thomas Locke

Malaria FAQs

Malaria questions, answered by us.

Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is most prevalent in Africa, where more than 90% of cases occur. There are several species of malaria that can infect humans; the two most common are P. falciparum and P. vivax.

Listen to our podcast to learn more about the symptoms of malaria and how to protect yourself from it.

Malaria is caused by the single-celled Plasmodium parasite which requires both the Anopheles mosquito and a human host to complete its lifecycle.

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. However, only the Anopheles mosquito, and only females of that genus, can transmit the disease.

The initial symptoms of malaria are similar to those of the common cold (shaking, chills, fever, sweating and headache). However, if not treated promptly, malaria can quickly lead to more serious health complications and even death.

Once diagnosed, a malaria infection can be treated using antimalarial drugs. The disease can also be prevented by taking drugs before bitten by a malaria-infected mosquito. Travellers to malaria-endemic areas will be advised to take drugs before, during and after their trip.

In Africa, in areas of high transmission, children under the age of 5 are given a monthly dose of an antimalarial drug during the malaria season. This is known as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC).

At the moment, there is no publicly-available malaria vaccine. However, one vaccine, called RTS,S, is undergoing trials in Africa. These began in 2019.

To learn more, listen to my interview with Dr Ashley Birkett, Director of PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative.

Dr Katharine Collins
Thomas Locke

Malaria FAQs

Malaria questions, answered by us.

Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is most prevalent in Africa, where more than 90% of cases occur. There are several species of malaria that can infect humans; the two most common are P. falciparum and P. vivax.

Listen to our podcast to learn more about the symptoms of malaria and how to protect yourself from it.

Malaria is caused by the single-celled Plasmodium parasite which requires both the Anopheles mosquito and a human host to complete its lifecycle.

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. However, only the Anopheles mosquito, and only females of that genus, can transmit the disease.

The initial symptoms of malaria are similar to those of the common cold (shaking, chills, fever, sweating and headache). However, if not treated promptly, malaria can quickly lead to more serious health complications and even death.

Once diagnosed, a malaria infection can be treated using antimalarial drugs. The disease can also be prevented by taking drugs before bitten by a malaria-infected mosquito. Travellers to malaria-endemic areas will be advised to take drugs before, during and after their trip.

In Africa, in areas of high transmission, children under the age of 5 are given a monthly dose of an antimalarial drug during the malaria season. This is known as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC).

At the moment, there is no publicly-available malaria vaccine. However, one vaccine, called RTS,S, is undergoing trials in Africa. These began in 2019.

To learn more, listen to my interview with Dr Ashley Birkett, Director of PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative.

Hot Topics

From gene-editing to Artificial Intelligence (AI), we explore pertinent issues concerning the modern-day fight against malaria.

How Decoding the Mosquito’s Sense of Smell Could Take the Bite Out of Malaria.

with Conor McMeniman

Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health

How Can MDA Reduce Malaria Prevalence?

with John Miller

Senior Malaria Technical Advisor, PATH

Reporting on EMBL’s Virtual BioMalPar Conference.

Thomas Locke

by Thomas Locke

Editor, Fight Malaria

Malaria Quiz

Put your knowledge of malaria biology and epidemiology to the test with our interactive quiz.
Anopheles Malaria Quiz
Malaria Cases Quiz
Anopheles Malaria Quiz
Malaria Cases Quiz

Malaria Quiz

Put your knowledge of malaria biology and epidemiology to the test with our interactive quiz.

Partners

Who we work with.

Interview Archive

Browse our collection of interviews with academics and policy-makers on issues ranging from mosquito nets to malaria diagnosis.