history of malaria history of malaria the history of malaria extends from its prehistoric origin as a zoonotic disease in the primates of africa through to the 21st century. a widespread and potentially lethal human infectious disease, at its peak malaria infested every continent except antarctica. its prevention and treatment have been targeted in science and medicine for hundreds of years. since the discovery of the plasmodium parasites which cause it, research attention has focused on their biology as well as that of the mosquitoes which transmit the parasites. second world war poster "keep out malaria mosquitoes repair your torn screens". u.s. public health service, 1941–45