The pathogen that causes malaria is the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several species of Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. Once inside the human body, the parasite infects red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like illnesses. Malaria remains a significant health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions, despite advances in prevention and treatment. Effective measures such as mosquito control and antimalarial drugs are crucial in the fight against this disease.