malaria

2. An infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, marked by periodic chills and fever.

Malaria remains a major health challenge in many tropical regions.

3. Archaic: unwholesome or poisonous air once believed to cause disease, especially near swamps.

In old texts, people blamed the malaria rising from the marsh for their fevers.

4. Figuratively, a harmful or corrupting influence spreading through a group or place.

Critics called the rumor a malaria that infected the whole office.