B50-B64: Protozoal diseases

B51: Plasmodium vivax malaria

Plasmodium vivax malaria is a specific type of malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite. This condition is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites a person, the parasite is released into the individual's bloodstream, where it invades the red blood cells and leads to a series of flu-like symptoms that may include fever, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle pains, and fatigue. These symptoms can appear anywhere from a week to even a year after the initial mosquito bite. Plasmodium vivax malaria is also known for causing recurrent episodes or relapses of illness because some parasites can remain dormant in the liver for months to even years after infection. This type of malaria primarily impacts the body's circulatory and immune systems, leading to the potential for severe complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.