What Causes Malaria?
Causes
Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites you. An infected mother can also pass the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria. Malaria is transmitted by blood, so it can also be transmitted through:
an organ transplant
a transfusion
use of shared needles or syringes
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What Are the Symptoms of Malaria?
Symptoms
The symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10 days to four weeks following the infection. In some people, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body but will be dormant for long periods of time. Common symptoms of malaria include:
shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
high fever
profuse sweating
headache
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
anemia
muscle pain
convulsions
coma
bloody stools