In Cambodia, I got what I assume must have been a less serious case, because I didn't have any vomiting or diarrhea, only the worst headache I've ever had in my life. Luckily the lack of air conditioning wasn't a big problem, because it was close to the coldest part of the year.

It permanently reset my pain scale. When I later had a pulmonary embolism and appendicitis, the doctors were confused that I said my pain was only 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.

The drug I took for it (mefloquine) didn't give me any unusual dreams, but it permanently altered something in my brain.

I don't agree that DDT is necessary to eradicate malaria. See for example that malaria has been eradicated in Thailand (except for border areas), but not (yet) in Cambodia, Laos, or Myanmar, despite having the same climate. A combination of regular pesticides and flood control are sufficient - if the government is competent and dedicated. It's a political problem, not a technical problem.