Does malaria cause chills?

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Chills may occur with fever, headache, muscle aches, marked tiredness, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms can begin after time has passed since travel, and the pattern may vary, so feeling better between episodes does not exclude malaria.

Chills also occur with other infections. If you have been in a malaria area, tell the clinician exactly where and when you travelled. Diagnosis generally requires a blood test, and treatment depends on the parasite and local resistance patterns.

Seek same-day medical advice for chills or fever after travel to a malaria area, even if symptoms seem mild. Drink fluids if you can, rest, and write down travel dates, medicines, mosquito-bite prevention, and the timing of fever or shivering. Do not rely on leftover antimalarial tablets.

Go to emergency care for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, seizures, repeated vomiting, extreme weakness, or inability to drink. A pregnant person or anyone with a weakened immune system should seek prompt advice for possible malaria.

Ask whether malaria testing is needed today, whether repeat testing may be required, which treatment is appropriate, and which symptoms mean you should go straight to emergency care.