After a Pierce County woman was diagnosed with malaria , Washington residents might be wondering about their risks of getting the deadly disease — and how to prevent the mosquitos that spread it.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is investigating the case, which could be Washington’s first locally transmitted case of malaria.

The east Pierce County resident, who had not been traveling, was diagnosed with the disease Aug. 2, the agency announced Aug. 6.

Officials say the risk to the general public is low.

Here’s what to know about it and the mosquitos that carry it.

What is malaria? What are common symptoms?

Malaria, a “serious disease” that can result in severe illness or death, is “caused by a parasite that infects a certain type of mosquito,” according to the federal Ce

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