Overview
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable, but delayed treatment can be fatal, particularly in children under five.
Signs and symptoms
Fever, chills, headache and fatigue typically appear 10–15 days after the infective bite. In malaria-endemic areas, any fever should be tested promptly — symptoms alone cannot confirm or exclude malaria.
Urgent warning signs
Confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, dark urine or extreme weakness may indicate severe malaria. This is a medical emergency — seek care immediately using your local emergency number.
Prevention
Insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and preventive medicines for high-risk groups are core WHO-recommended tools. Two malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21) are recommended for children in endemic areas per national schedules.
Treatment categories
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the standard treatment category for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Drug choice, dosing and duration are determined by a clinician following national guidelines — never self-prescribe.