Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. The parasite is called Plasmodium and there are five different types of Plasmodium parasite that cause malaria in humans. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken in which contains microscopic malaria parasites. The parasites then multiply inside the mosquito and when the mosquito bites another person, it transfers the parasite to the other person’s bloodstream.

The five types of malaria parasites that can infect humans are Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent, while P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.

Symptoms of malaria include high fever, shaking chills, flu-like illness, and anemia. Severe forms of malaria can cause low blood sugar, breathing problems, organ failure, and cerebral malaria, which may cause seizures and coma. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travelers, and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe symptoms and death.

In summary, malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are five different types of Plasmodium parasite that cause malaria in humans, and symptoms include high fever, shaking chills, flu-like illness, and anemia. Severe forms of malaria can cause low blood sugar, breathing problems, organ failure, and cerebral malaria, which may cause seizures and coma.