Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium.  There are four major species of plasmodia.  P falciparum, malarie, ovale and vivax.  The parasites live partly in the stomach of the female Anopheles mosquito and partly in man in whom they cause malaria.  The disease kills up to 3 million people in the tropics, mostly children and young adults.  Further more ill health takes a heavy toll on education, food production and other economic activities.  Thus exacerbating the problem of hunger and poverty.

 The symptoms are chills, fever, headache, muscle pain and vomiting.  In case of mild attack, an out patient treatment with tablets may suffice, however, when there is vomiting injection will be needed.  Severe cases will require aggressive hospital treatment with IV fluids (drip) or even blood transfusion in the worse senario.

When your travel to the tropics for holidays or other business you don't want that kind of headache!  You have to prevent malaria at all cost.  That involve preparation, go to your doctor or other health fascilities dealing in this matter and pick up the tablets protect to you from malaria.  Just start taking the tablets well before you leave and continue during the trip and well after your return.  I would say for 10 to 15 days after returning.  

So don't be too scared.  Go over there and enjoy your visit, if you take sensible precaution you should be able to prevent malaria from ruining your holidays or business trip.