Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite, known as Plasmodium, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If left untreated, malaria can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease promptly.