Etymology of “Malaria”

The term malaria originates from the Italian words mala meaning “bad” and aria meaning “air.” It was first used in the 18th century in Italy, where it was believed that the disease was caused by unhealthy or “bad air” typically found in marshy or swampy regions. This concept arose before scientists understood that malaria is actually spread by mosquitoes, not by air. In the past, regions near stagnant water were often sources of disease, leading people to associate the illness with the air in these areas.

Evolution of Understanding

Eventually, the true cause of malaria—the Plasmodium parasite carried by mosquitoes—was discovered in the late 19th century. However, the name malaria remained, and today it is still used to refer to this mosquito-borne illness.

Quick Recap:

• Origins: Italian mala aria (“bad air”)
• Initial Belief: Disease caused by swampy, unhealthy air
• Current Understanding: Spread by mosquito-borne parasites