HIV/AIDS Glossary

A potentially life-threatening disease caused by four strains of protozoa called Plasmodium. Malaria is typically spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the protozoa. Malaria is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Oceania, and certain Caribbean islands. Symptoms of malaria can include extreme exhaustion, chills, profuse sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, other flu-like symptoms, and jaundice. Both malaria and HIV cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Research has shown important interactions between the two diseases.