Malaria

A serious infection caused by a parasite spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, causing fever, chills and sweating. It's preventable and curable.

InfectionMosquito-borneLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Fever with chills and shivering, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting.

Common Treatments

Antimalarial medicines chosen by the type of parasite, such as artemisinin-based combinations, chloroquine and primaquine.

Risk Factors

Living in or travelling to malaria areas, mosquito bites at night, pregnancy and young age.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, passed on by infected Anopheles mosquitoes that bite mostly from dusk to dawn. In India, P. vivax and P. falciparum are the most common types.

Symptoms usually start 10 days to 4 weeks after the bite. Falciparum malaria can become severe quickly, so anyone with fever in a malaria area should get a blood test promptly.

Symptoms

Fever and chills

Fever with shaking chills, often coming in cycles, followed by sweating.

Headache

Often with body aches and tiredness.

Nausea and vomiting

Some people also have diarrhoea or tummy pain.

Severe malaria

Confusion, fits, breathing difficulty, yellow eyes or very dark urine need emergency care.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Plasmodium parasites enter the blood with a mosquito bite, multiply in the liver, then infect and burst red blood cells, causing the fever cycles. P. vivax can stay dormant in the liver and cause relapses.

Key Risk Factors

  • Location Forested, rural and some urban areas of India have more malaria.
  • Mosquito bites Sleeping without nets and staying outdoors at night increase exposure.
  • Pregnancy and young children Are more likely to get severe malaria.

Management & Treatment

01. Blood test

A rapid test or blood smear confirms malaria and its type.

02. Antimalarial medicines

The medicine depends on the parasite type. Primaquine is added for vivax malaria to prevent relapses.

03. Hospital care

Severe malaria needs injectable treatment in hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can malaria come back?
Vivax malaria can relapse months later unless the liver stage is treated.
How can I prevent malaria?
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets, use repellent, cover up in the evening and clear stagnant water.
Is malaria treatment free in India?
Testing and treatment are available free at government health facilities.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.