Malaria is spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The malaria parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, causing symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Untreated malaria can progress to severe complications and even death. It is most commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent and sleeping under treated bed nets, and potentially taking antimalarial medications if traveling to high risk areas.