What should you know about malaria?

Malaria parasites enter the bloodstream after an infected mosquito bite. Symptoms may begin after returning from a region where malaria occurs and can include fever, chills, sweating, headache, weakness, or muscle aches. Symptoms may come and go, and the illness can initially resemble flu or another infection. A travel history is therefore essential, even if mosquito bites were not noticed.

A blood test can look for evidence of the parasite and may need to be repeated if symptoms continue. Malaria is not ruled out simply because the first fever settles. Treatment depends on the parasite, travel region, illness severity, and medicines suitable for the individual.

Tell a clinician promptly about fever or chills after travel to a malaria-risk area, and state where you went and when you returned. Do not self-treat with leftover medicines. Preventive tablets are selected for the destination and person, and they do not replace bite prevention.

Use insect repellent, long sleeves, screens or nets, and accommodation with effective mosquito control where appropriate. A travel health consultation before departure can review destination-specific precautions and malaria prophylaxis.

Seek urgent medical help for fever after relevant travel, especially with confusion, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, fainting, seizures, or inability to drink. Emergency assessment is also needed if a person becomes rapidly drowsy or unusually unwell.

Ask whether malaria testing is needed, whether repeat testing may be required, which treatment is appropriate for your travel exposure, and how to protect yourself on future journeys.