Understanding Malaria Transmission: How is it Spread?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium.

It is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and travels to the liver. In the liver, the parasite multiplies and then infects red blood cells. Once inside red blood cells, the parasite continues to multiply and reproduce, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and vomiting.

The parasite can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child (congenital malaria), and through blood transfusions or organ transplants.