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Types of Malaria and Their Causes

Learn about the different types of malaria—Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, ovale, malariae, and knowlesi. Understand their causes, transmission, and key differences.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 21st Jul, 2025

Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While malaria is preventable and treatable, it remains a significant health concern in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

In this article, we will explore the different types of malaria, their causes, symptoms, and how you can protect yourself from this disease.

What Are the Different Types of Malaria?

Malaria is caused by five species of Plasmodium parasites, each leading to different forms of the disease:

1. Plasmodium falciparum: The most dangerous and deadly type, responsible for most malaria-related deaths worldwide. It multiplies rapidly in the blood, leading to severe complications like organ failure.

2. Plasmodium vivax: The most widespread type, commonly found in Asia and Latin America. It can remain dormant in the liver and cause relapses months or even years after the initial infection.

3. Plasmodium ovale: Similar to P. vivax, this type can also stay inactive in the liver and cause relapses, though it is less common.

4. Plasmodium malariae: Causes a milder form of malaria but can persist in the blood for years if untreated.

5. Plasmodium knowlesi: A rare type found in Southeast Asia, primarily affecting monkeys but can also infect humans, leading to severe illness.

Each type has different characteristics, but they all share common symptoms and require prompt medical attention.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is not contagious—meaning it doesn’t spread from person to person like a cold or flu. Instead, it is transmitted in the following ways:

1. Mosquito Bites

The primary cause of malaria is the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites a person, it injects the Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream.

2. Blood Transfusion or Organ Transplant

In rare cases, malaria can spread through infected blood transfusions, organ transplants, or shared needles.

3. Mother to Baby (Congenital Malaria)

An infected mother can pass malaria to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Common Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms usually appear 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include:

  • High fever with chills and sweating

  • Severe headache

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhea

In severe cases (especially with P. falciparum), symptoms can worsen rapidly, leading to:

  • Confusion or seizures

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

  • Kidney failure

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

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Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

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How Is Malaria Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose malaria through:

  • Blood tests: To detect the presence of malaria parasites.

  • Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): Quick tests that provide results within minutes.

If you suspect malaria, book a blood test through Apollo 24|7 for fast and accurate results.

How Can You Prevent Malaria?

Prevention is the best way to stay safe from malaria. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Use mosquito nets (preferably insecticide-treated).

  • Apply mosquito repellent (containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

  • Wear long-sleeved clothing in mosquito-prone areas.

  • Use window screens and indoor insecticide sprays.

2. Take Antimalarial Medications (If Travelling to High-Risk Areas)

If you’re visiting a malaria-endemic region, consult a doctor for preventive antimalarial drugs.

3. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

  • Remove stagnant water (where mosquitoes breed) from flower pots, coolers, and gutters.

  • Use larvicides in water bodies if necessary.

Treatment Options for Malaria

Malaria is treatable with antimalarial medications, depending on the type of parasite and severity of the infection. Common treatments include:

  • Chloroquine (for P. vivax and P. ovale in some regions).

  • Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) (for P. falciparum).

  • Primaquine (to prevent relapses in P. vivax and P. ovale infections).

Never self-medicate—always consult a doctor for the right treatment.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You have travelled to a malaria-prone area and develop fever.

  • Symptoms worsen despite home care.

  • You experience severe headaches, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

If you need expert advice, consult a doctor on Apollo 24|7 for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Malaria is a serious but preventable disease. By understanding the types of malaria, their causes, and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk. If you experience symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from malaria.

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

600

49 Cashback

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

54 Cashback

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair, General Practitioner

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair

General Practitioner

15 Years • MBBS

Angamaly

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly

recommendation

87%

(425+ Patients)

750

105 Cashback

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta, General Practitioner

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

90 Cashback

Dr. J T Hema Pratima, General Practitioner

Dr. J T Hema Pratima

General Practitioner

9 Years • MBBS

Chennai

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai

recommendation

84%

(250+ Patients)

550

52 Cashback

Get Your Symptoms Checked By Top Specialists

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

600

49 Cashback

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

54 Cashback

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair, General Practitioner

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair

General Practitioner

15 Years • MBBS

Angamaly

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly

recommendation

87%

(425+ Patients)

750

105 Cashback

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta, General Practitioner

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

90 Cashback

Dr. J T Hema Pratima, General Practitioner

Dr. J T Hema Pratima

General Practitioner

9 Years • MBBS

Chennai

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai

recommendation

84%

(250+ Patients)

550

52 Cashback

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

600

49 Cashback

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

54 Cashback

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair, General Practitioner

Dr. Vasanthasree Nair

General Practitioner

15 Years • MBBS

Angamaly

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly

recommendation

87%

(425+ Patients)

750

105 Cashback

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta, General Practitioner

Dr Divya Lekha Gunta

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

650

90 Cashback

Dr. J T Hema Pratima, General Practitioner

Dr. J T Hema Pratima

General Practitioner

9 Years • MBBS

Chennai

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai

recommendation

84%

(250+ Patients)

550

52 Cashback

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