Malaria is mainly spread by the Anopheles mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it transmits the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) into the person's bloodstream. The parasite moves to the liver and other cells, where it reproduces and grows. When new parasites are released into the bloodstream, the infected person can spread the disease to other people if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare cases, malaria can also be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or shared needles. Pregnant women can also pass the malaria parasite to their babies before or during delivery.
