What should you know about Cabo Verde malaria?

Malaria is an infection passed through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, chills, sweating, headache, tiredness, nausea and muscle aches. They can begin after travel and may come and go, so a person can feel better between episodes. The destination, dates, areas visited, mosquito exposure, preventive medicines and medical history all affect the assessment. Fever after travel has other possible causes, but malaria must be considered when the travel history fits. A negative early test may need clinical follow-up if symptoms continue.

Tell a clinician promptly that you have travelled to Cabo Verde, including the date you returned and where you stayed. Ask whether a blood test is needed and follow the testing plan. Do not wait for a severe episode or rely on leftover medicines. For future travel, arrange a travel health consultation in advance; advice may include mosquito-bite prevention and malaria prophylaxis when appropriate. Use repellent, wear covering clothing and reduce exposure to mosquitoes, especially around dusk and overnight.

Seek urgent medical care for fever after travel with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, seizures or inability to drink. Prompt assessment is also needed for fever with chills, sweating or muscle aches, even when symptoms seem mild. Tell emergency staff about recent travel before tests and treatment are arranged.

Ask which malaria tests are suitable, whether testing should be repeated, which warning signs require emergency care, and what prevention plan fits your next trip and medicines.