Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Five species account for almost all human infections, with P falciparum being the most severe. When an infected mosquito bites a human, it can introduce the parasite from its saliva into the person's blood. The long lifespan and strong human-biting habit of the Anopheles species that carry malaria are the main reasons for the high incidence of malaria in Africa. Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medicines. Treatments can stop mild cases from getting worse.