- About 40 percent of the world's population live in malaria-regions.

- The five types of malaria dangerous to humans are all transmitted by malaria infected mosquitos.

- The five types differ in some respects, e.g. incubation period - the time from a person is infected till the onset of symptoms.

- All types may cause serious damages if the patient is not treated in due time. In some cases the infecion may lead to death.

- Among the general symptoms of malaria are: Fever, muscle pain, dry coughing, profuse sweating, enlarged spleen.

- Serious complications due to malaria may include: Respiratory problems, brain damage, organ failure.

Plasmodium falciparum
This is the most dangerous malaria parasite in relation to humans.
Accountable for up to 95 percent of all malaria deaths. Very common in the tropical part of Africa. May cause brain damage and organ failure.
Incubation period: 9-14 days.

Plasmodium vivax
Found in Latin America, Africa and Asia. May lie 'dormant' in the patient's liver - only to be re-activated at a later time. Incubation period: 12-18 days.

Plasmodium ovale
Mostly found in West Africa.
Similar to P. vivax in many respects.
Incubation period: 12-18 days.

Plasmodium malariae
Evenly distributed in malaria infected regions. Can cause kidney damages. If untreated, the patient may develop an infection which he or she can never get rid of.
Incubation period: 18-40 days.

Plasmodium knowlesi
Mostly found in Southeast Asia, e.g. in Burma and Bali.
Incubation period: 11-12 days.
 
Source: prodoktor.dk