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Widespread in tropical areas, the blood-borne disease, 'Malaria' is usually contracted after being bitten by an infected mosquito. This is a common disease that usually results in symptoms such as fever, chills, light-headedness, shortness of breath, nausea and in some cases even comas or death. Malaria affects around 350-500 million people each year, killing anywhere between one and three million of them.

Due to the fact that mosquitos come out at night, people who live in ares where malaria is a problem usually put mosquito nets in place around the beds, doors and even windows to keep them safe at night as an alternative to the more expensive medication that can also be taken. Although, these nets are relatively cheap, many people cannot afford them and are at risk of contracting the virus. As such, Malaria is often associated with poverty.

Malaria is caused by a group of protozoan parasites which enter the bloodstream when an infected mosquito feeds on its host. The microbes get inside the red blood cells and multiply within them. Different species of the parasite have milder and stronger effects.

Various medications have been produced to help combat the disease. These consist of preventative drugs and 'antimalarial drugs'. Unfortunately for much of the world, attempts to create a vaccine have been unsuccessful.

The disease Malaria was once believed to be caused by bad air, hence the name which is Medieval Italian for "bad air'".