Written By: Muskan Gupta | Updated : April 24, 2026 8:49 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Praveen Gupta
Image credits by: World Malaria Day (Image: AI Generated)
Malaria is often thought of as a simple fever that comes and goes. But in reality, it is a serious infection that may become life-threatening within a short time, moreover, when the symptoms appear to progress at night. Thinking why it happens, don't worry. Here's all you need to know about why this occurs so that people can be aware of the warning signs at the initial stage and take the right precautions.
The parasites that cause malaria belong to family Plasmodium and are transmitted by bites of infected female mosquitoes. Malaria is a significant issue of concern in India. According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), it reported more than 2.02 lakh cases up to October 2025, with the majority of cases due to the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The government targets to be free of malaria by 2027 and totally rid of malaria by 2030, however awareness and prevention are central.
Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman - Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, says that it is a typical symptom experienced by many individuals with malaria who report that the symptoms of fever, chills and body ache become more pronounced once the sun sets. Scientifically, there are some reasons why:
1. Parasite life cycle timing
Malaria parasites are cyclic in multiplying within the red blood cells. In bursting these cells, toxic substances are spread in the bloodstream, causing fever and chills. Such cycles tend to correspond with the internal clocks in the body, making the symptoms increase at night.
2. Body temperature and immunity
Normal daytime variations in body temperature include high and drop in body temperature during the night. Meanwhile, some immune reactions decelerate and it becomes easier to experience the symptoms as more dramatic.
3. Mosquito activity
The malaria-causing mosquitoes are most prevalent during dusk and dawn. This risks biting during nighttime more especially without the protection such as nets or repellents.
Most of the malaria cases are treated but others can be fatal. One of the most serious complications, according to Dr Praveen Gupta, is Cerebral malaria which is normally caused by Plasmodium falciparum. In this illness, the infected blood cells clog up small blood vessels within the brain. This can lead to:
Some groups are more susceptible:
However, adults are not excluded. The infection can be severe in anybody when it is diagnosed late.
Malaria can best be prevented by preventing mosquito bites:
Symptoms often intensify at night due to the parasite’s life cycle, natural body temperature changes, and immune response patterns.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes.
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