Can you survive malaria without treatment?

It depends on which type of parasite the person is infected with. A person infected with Plasmodium Falciparum requires immediate treatment else it may be fatal. It is always recommended to test for Plasmodium Falciparum infection in case of any fever or symptoms related to malaria.

Malaria caused by other parasites like Plasmodium Vivax or Plasmodium Ovale can cause severe sickness but is hardly life-threatening. These parasites remain dormant in the liver for years without showing any symptom.

Often, persons suffering from malaria caused by Vivax or Ovale parasites do not get the required treatment or are given wrong dosages of medicine. As a result, they become prone to malarial relapses frequently. A second line of drug is necessary to stop these relapses. Another parasite known as P. Malariae if untreated may remain in the person’s blood for decades.

Image courtesy: https://symptomsof.net