Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent in Africa, where malaria cases and deaths are heavily concentrated. The first symptoms of malaria – fever, headache, chills and vomiting – usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. Without prompt treatment, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death.
