Rarely, the parasite can be passed on to infants born to infected mothers. Malaria is a disease commonly characterized by fever, chills, headache, and sweating. The infected person may develop relapses throughout their life. Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum , the most serious form of malaria, may progress to organ failure, coma, or even death. The appearance of symptoms is dependent on the species of Plasmodium but can vary from 7 days to 10 months.
Malaria is common in most tropical and sub-tropical countries.
Travelers to Central and South America, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Pacific are especially at risk. Patients with malaria need not be excluded from work. Persons with a history of malaria should not donate blood or organs. Patients with malaria should immediately seek medical attention. Malaria can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum can cause more severe infections and can be harder to treat.