George Clooney fighting malaria

Malaria is a very serious infection that you can get from mosquito bites.

Hollywood star George Clooney is currently recovering from a second bout of this disease - which he caught while he was in Sudan at the beginning of the year.

Last year, X Factor judge Cheryl Cole was treated for malaria after she contracted it while on holiday in Tanzania. Cheryl is now back to full health.

At the time, Cheryl's rep told The Sun: 'Because of her hectic schedule, the malaria has really taken a hold. She has not got the physical strength to beat it. She is going to need all of her Geordie grit to win this battle.'

Malaria can occur up to a year after visiting an area where there is malaria (usually while on holiday). The initial symptoms can be confused with having the flu, but if left untreated it can be fatal. If you're concerned, you must go and see your doctor.

You'll need a blood test to determine whether or not you have malaria and you may have to be treated in hospital to get better.

Read the full story from Now Magazine: George Clooney recovering from second bout of malaria.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of malaria from patient.co.uk, read on.

Malaria is a very serious infection which you can catch from a bite from an infected mosquito. The most common symptom is fever and a flu-like illness. Malaria can occur even up to a year after travelling in an area in which there is malaria. Prompt treatment for malaria is essential, as without treatment malaria can be fatal. This leaflet gives general information about malaria and its treatment.