Medicine & Health Sciences

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. There are 5 species of Plasmodium which infect humans:
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium knowlesi which is less common.
Of these, Plasmodium falciparum infection is the most severe and can cause death in up to 10% of cases. It can be rapidly fatal. Pregnant women and children are especially at risk. Other types of malaria are less severe, but still may cause death.
Specific antimalarial treatment is available and must always be started as soon as malaria is diagnosed. There is increasing resistance to currently available drugs and treatment should be carried out by an infectious diseases specialist or other expert in the field.