Causes - Malaria

Malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Types of plasmodium parasite

Only 5 types of plasmodium parasite cause malaria in humans.

Plasmodium falciparum

This is mainly found in Africa. It's the most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths.

Plasmodium vivax

This is mainly found in Asia and South America. It causes milder symptoms than Plasmodium falciparum. But it can stay in the liver for up to 3 years. This can mean the symptoms come back.

Plasmodium ovale

This is uncommon and found in West Africa. It can stay in your liver for several years without causing symptoms.

Plasmodium malariae

This is rare and usually only found in Africa.

Plasmodium knowlesi

This is rare and found in parts of southeast Asia.

How malaria spreads

The plasmodium parasite is spread by mosquitoes that mainly bite between sunrise and sunset.

Malaria cannot be directly spread from person to person. If a mosquito bites a person already infected with malaria, the mosquito can also become infected. It can then spread the parasite to other people.

Malaria can also spread through:

• blood transfusions
• sharing needles

But this is very rare.