Malaria is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite, which multiplies in the mosquito's gut and salivary glands. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects sporozoites into the bloodstream. The sporozoites then travel to the liver, where they mature and reproduce. After leaving the liver, the parasites enter the bloodstream, infect red blood cells, and initiate the symptomatic phase of the disease. Malaria transmission can occur year-round in tropical and subtropical regions, but it is often more prevalent during the rainy season when mosquito breeding sites increase.

The diagnosis of malaria involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Clinical symptoms, such as fever, chills, and headache, may lead to suspicion of malaria, especially in individuals with a history of travel to endemic areas. Laboratory tests, such as microscopic examination of blood smears or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detecting specific malaria antigens, confirm the presence of the Plasmodium parasite. Molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be used for further confirmation and species identification.

Malaria prevention strategies encompass a multi-faceted approach aimed at reducing mosquito exposure and controlling the spread of the Plasmodium parasite. Key preventive measures include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying to target mosquitoes resting indoors, and antimalarial medications for chemoprophylaxis in individuals residing in or traveling to malaria-endemic regions. Additionally, community-based interventions, such as environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, contribute to overall control efforts. Malaria vaccines, like the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, have also been developed to provide an additional layer of protection.

Malaria treatment involves the administration of antimalarial medications to eliminate the Plasmodium parasite from the bloodstream. The choice of medication depends on the specific Plasmodium species causing the infection and the severity of symptoms. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are commonly recommended as first-line treatments for uncomplicated malaria, offering a highly effective and rapid reduction of parasite levels. Severe cases, especially those caused by Plasmodium falciparum, may require intravenous administration of artesunate, followed by a full course of ACT. Resistance to antimalarial drugs is a concern, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.