Is Malaria contagious?

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Is Malaria Contagious?

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Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medically Reviewed on 8/24/2016
Table of Contents
What is malaria?
Is malaria contagious?
What is the incubation period for malaria?
How is malaria transmitted?
How long does malaria last, and how long will it take to be cured of malaria?
When should people seek medical care for a suspected malaria infection?

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What is malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that invade red blood cells. The protozoan parasites are among several species of the genus Plasmodium. This malaria parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes (vectors) to humans through mosquito bites that, during the bite, release parasites into the person's blood. Malaria is characterized by cycles of chills, high fever, and sweating.


Is malaria contagious?

No, malaria is not contagious. Malaria is not spread from person to person and is not sexually transmitted. Malaria is not contagious through casual contact or through kissing. It is not considered a sexual transmitted disease (STD). Malaria is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. There is one strain of the parasite Plasmodium, P. knowlesi, that can be transmitted from monkeys (macaques) by mosquitoes to humans and is termed "zoonotic" malaria