How can dengue and malaria be prevented?

Mosquitoes can bite indoors and outdoors, during the day or at night depending on the species. Use an appropriate repellent, wear clothing that covers skin, and sleep behind intact screens or under a mosquito net when advised. Reduce standing water around living spaces, including water held in containers, plant saucers and discarded items. These steps lower exposure but cannot remove every risk. Dengue and malaria require different clinical decisions, so a fever after travel should not be self-labelled.

Arrange a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) before visiting a malaria area. A clinician may discuss [Malaria Prophylaxis](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/malaria-prophylaxis/) according to your destination, health history and medicines. Keep using bite precautions even if prophylaxis is prescribed. After travel, record dates and destinations, and arrange assessment if [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) occurs.

Get prompt medical advice for fever, [Chills](/symptoms/chills/), or [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/) after travel or substantial mosquito exposure. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, severe weakness, or bleeding. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) may be needed because symptoms overlap with other infections.

Ask which bite precautions suit your destination, whether preventive medicine is appropriate, and how long after travel you should monitor for fever.