What should you know about control of malaria?

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Fever, chills, sweating, headache and muscle aches may occur, sometimes in episodes. A fever after travel to a malaria-affected area needs prompt clinical assessment; symptoms alone cannot establish the cause. A blood test can help detect malaria and guide treatment.

Protection works best as a combination: cover exposed skin, use an appropriate insect repellent, sleep behind screens or under a treated net where advised, and take prescribed malaria prophylaxis exactly as directed. Preventive medicine differs by destination, health history and other medicines.

Arrange a travel health consultation before departure so a clinician can review the itinerary, season, accommodation and personal health needs. Continue bite prevention during the trip and follow the prescribed schedule for preventive medicine. If you develop fever or chills during travel or after returning, tell the clinician where you have been, when you returned and whether you used prophylaxis.

Seek urgent medical care for fever, chills, confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, repeated vomiting or marked weakness after possible mosquito exposure. Malaria can worsen quickly, so do not wait for symptoms to follow a familiar pattern and do not rely on leftover medicines. A negative early test may need clinical reassessment if fever continues.

Ask which preventive medicine fits your destination, when to start and stop it, how to manage side effects, and which test is needed if fever develops after travel.