Depends on which type of malaria you get.

Three are like getting the flu. One will kill you.

Four kinds of malaria parasites have been known to infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. P. falciparum is the type of malaria that is most likely to result in severe infections and if not promptly treated, may lead to death.

Yes, I grew up in Africa and SE Asia. Local governments sure took it serious, especially during monsoon season. I remember the mosquito guy going door to door, looking for standing water and handing out hefty fines when he found it.