Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite (Plasmodium) transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a significant health concern in Kolkata and West Bengal, especially during and after the monsoon season, though cases can occur year-round.   Here's what you need to know about malaria fever:Symptoms:Classic Cycle (May not always occur): Chills: Intense shivering and feeling very cold.   Fever: High fever, often accompanied by headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.    Sweating: Profuse sweating as the body temperature drops, often leading to exhaustion.   Symptoms usually start 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.Even without the classic cycle, any fever accompanied by chills, headache, and body aches in an area like Kolkata should raise suspicion of malaria.Severe Malaria: This is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Signs include confusion, seizures, extreme tiredness, difficulty breathing, jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), dark or bloody urine, and abnormal bleeding.   Transmission in Kolkata:Anopheles mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources like puddles, containers holding water, drains, construction sites, etc.   The risk increases significantly during and after the monsoon (roughly June to November) due to more breeding opportunities, but vigilance is needed throughout the year.Diagnosis:Malaria is diagnosed through blood tests, either by looking for the parasite under a microscope or using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs).