Signs and symptoms of malaria may include: Fever Chills General feeling of discomfort Headache Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Muscle or joint pain Fatigue Rapid breathing Rapid heart rate Cough Some people who have malaria experience cycles of malaria "attacks." An attack usually starts with shivering and chills, followed by a high fever, followed by sweating and a return to normal temperature. Malaria signs and symptoms typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by ... Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Malaria mostly spreads to people through the bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria . The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficulty to recognize as malaria . Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours. Malaria Malaria is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by parasites. You get it through the bite of an infected mosquito. It’s most common in parts of the world that are hot and humid, like Africa and parts of Asia. It can cause flu-like symptoms that can progress to severe illness if not treated.