vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.