The document discusses malaria, caused by a Plasmodium parasite transmitted via mosquito bites. It has a complex life cycle alternating between mosquitoes and humans. Symptoms appear about 15 days after infection. While there is no vaccine, prevention and treatment involve drugs like artemisinin and mefloquine. Resistance has emerged which is a major problem, as with guinea worm the parasite has proven very difficult to eradicate over a long history despite efforts.