A life-threatening parasitic disease caused by <i>Plasmodium</i> (<i>P. </i>) parasites that are transmitted by <i>Anophles</i> mosquito bites to humans and is typically clinically characterized by attacks of fever, headache, chills and vomiting.

Abnormally increased levels of methemoglobin in the blood. In this form of hemoglobin, there is an oxidized ferric iron (Fe +3) rather than the reduced ferrous form (Fe 2+) that is normally found in hemoglobin. Methemoglobin has a reduced affinity for oxygen, resulting in a reduced ability to release oxygen to tissues.