Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells. Malaria is characterized by cycles of chills, fever, pain and sweating. Historical records suggest malaria has infected humans since the beginning of mankind.

The life cycle of the parasite is complicated and involves two hosts, humans and Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is transmitted to humans when an infected mosquito bites a person and injects the malaria parasites into the blood.  The disease travels through the bloodstream to the liver, matures, and eventually infects the human red blood cells. While in red blood cells, the parasites again develop until a mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected human and ingests human red blood cells containing the parasites. Then the parasites reach the Anopheles mosquito's stomach and eventually invade the mosquito salivary glands.

Malaria is a major problem in areas of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America and unless precautions are taken, anyone living in or travelling to a country where malaria is present can get the disease. Malaria occurs in about 100 countries and approximately 40% of the world population is at risk for contracting malaria. The effects of malaria include flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. Some patients develop nausea, vomiting, cough, and diarrhoea. Cycles of chills, fever, and sweating that repeat every one, two, or three days are typical. Vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes can be due to the destruction of red blood cells and liver cells.

People with severe malaria can develop bleeding problems, shock, liver or kidney failure, central nervous system problems, coma, and can die from the infection or its complications. Cerebral malaria can occur with severe infection. It is lethal if not treated quickly; even with treatment, about 15%-20% die. The period between the mosquito bite and the onset of the malarial illness is usually one to three weeks. This initial time period is highly variable as reports suggest that the range of incubation periods may range from four days to one year. The usual incubation period may be increased when a person has taken an inadequate course of malaria prevention medications.

Three main factors determine treatments: the infecting species of parasite, the clinical situation of the patient, and the drug susceptibility of the infecting parasites. Drug susceptibility is determined by the geographic area where the infection was acquired. Different areas of the world have malaria types that are resistant to certain medications. The correct drugs for each type of malaria must be prescribed by a doctor who is familiar with malaria treatment protocols. Since people infected with malaria can die (often because of delayed treatment), immediate treatment is necessary. Mild malaria can be treated with oral medication, while severe malaria requires intravenous drug treatment and fluids.

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