Malaria is a potentially serious parasitic disease that causes infection of the red blood cells.
It is transmitted to people by the Anopheles mosquito. Of the 4 types of malaria, the most serious type is falciparum malaria. Malaria is a major problem in areas of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Unless precautions are taken, any person living in or traveling to a country where malaria is present can get the disease. Malaria is not a problem in Hawaii because the Anopheles mosquito is not found here.