Malaria: A Bite That Can Haunt
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that primarily affects humans, caused by parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. These tiny invaders wreak havoc on red blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications.

Transmission:

The parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which injects the parasite into the bloodstream. Once inside, the parasite travels to the liver, where it matures and multiplies. Eventually, it bursts out of the liver cells and invades red blood cells, causing the characteristic symptoms of malaria.

Symptoms:

The classic symptoms of malaria include:

Fever: Chills and sweats alternating with high fever are often the first signs.
Headache: Throbbing pain in the head is a common symptom.
Muscle aches: Aching and pain throughout the body are frequent complaints.
Nausea and vomiting: Digestive upset can accompany the other symptoms.
Fatigue: Feeling drained and exhausted is a hallmark of malaria.