Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease which is transmitted by certain kinds of mosquitoes. The disease is caused by a parasite these mosquitoes carry and transmit when they feed on humans. Symptoms of malaria usually include high fever, chills, sweats, body aches, headache, nausea and vomiting. Malaria prevention includes drug prophylaxis, and avoiding mosquito bites through use of mosquito nets and insect repellents.