Malaria parasites are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope.
They feed on the blood cells, multiply inside them and destroy them. Later you will learn how to recognize malaria in a sick person. It is often difficult to tell whether a sickness is caused by malaria or some other disease, because the features may be similar. Therefore, if the patient's condition has not improved within 2 days after the start of an adequate malaria treatment, he or she needs urgent care in the nearest clinic or hospital. If a pregnant woman or young child gets malaria, severe illness may rapidly develop and may even result in death.