What is a widespread effect of untreated Malaria?

Untreated malaria can lead to serious health complications, and one of the most severe outcomes is a potentially fatal illness. Malaria is caused by parasites that infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If not treated promptly, malaria can progress to severe forms that may affect vital organs and result in conditions such as cerebral malaria, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or renal failure. These complications can be life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. This understanding underlines why recognizing untreated malaria as potentially fatal is critical in both medical and preventative contexts.