# What is malaria and how is it transmitted? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-malaria-and-how-is-it-transmitted Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.328Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.328Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-malaria-and-how-is-it-transmitted Malaria is a serious parasitic disease caused by infection with parasites that are primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female "Anopheles" mosquitoes [\[1\]](). When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasites (known as sporozoites) enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply to produce a new generation known as "merozoites." These parasites exit the liver and invade red blood cells, where they continue to multiply and destroy these cells, leading to the release of more parasites in cycles that often range from 48 to 72 hours, which explains the occurrence of periodic symptom attacks [\[1\]](). ## How is malaria transmitted? Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito acquires the parasite when it bites a person infected with malaria, then transmits it to another person when it bites them. It is essential to clarify that malaria does not spread between humans through direct contact like colds or the flu, nor is it a sexually transmitted disease [\[3\]](). However, there are other less common but medically documented modes of transmission, such as transmission from mother to fetus (congenital transmission) or via contaminated blood transfusions [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms and Timing The incubation period for the disease varies based on the type of parasite; initial symptoms usually appear within two to four weeks from the moment of exposure to the contaminated bite. In some cases, symptoms may appear as early as 8 days, or they may be delayed to appear up to a full year after travel or exposure [\[1\]](). Common symptoms include: - Recurring bouts of high fever, chills, and profuse sweating [\[3\]](). - Severe headache, muscle aches, and general fatigue [\[1\]](). - Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [\[3\]](). - Anemia (as a result of red blood cell destruction) and jaundice [\[1\]](). Malaria is considered a serious global health challenge; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded approximately 249 million cases globally in 2022, with deaths estimated at about 608,000 cases [\[1\]](). ## When to Seek Urgent Medical Care? Malaria—especially Plasmodium falciparum malaria—is classified as a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment, as it may progress to dangerous complications such as kidney failure, respiratory failure, coma, or seizures [\[1\]](). If symptoms such as fever and headache appear after traveling to countries where this disease is endemic, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately, as confirmed diagnosis depends on laboratory blood tests [\[3\]](). To learn about necessary preventive steps for travelers, you can review our comprehensive guide on [Malaria: How it is transmitted, its symptoms, and prevention for travelers (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Malaria]() - [About Malaria]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-malaria-and-how-is-it-transmitted#answer