G6PD deficiency and malaria

Malaria can cause fever and place stress on red blood cells. In someone with G6PD deficiency, that stress may be greater, and some medicines used for malaria prevention or treatment can also cause haemolysis. The safest choice depends on the exact medicine, the G6PD result, the malaria risk in the destination, and the person’s health.

G6PD deficiency does not protect against malaria. Fever after travel to a malaria area needs prompt assessment, even if symptoms seem mild. Dark urine, pale skin, yellow eyes, dizziness, or unusual weakness may indicate red blood cell breakdown.

Tell a travel clinician about G6PD deficiency well before departure. Share your diagnosis, current medicines, and destination so prevention can be chosen safely. Use mosquito precautions as advised, including protective clothing and insect repellent, and seek medical care quickly for fever during or after travel.

Never borrow antimalarial tablets or use leftover treatment. If malaria is suspected, tell the treating team about G6PD deficiency before medicine is given. A blood test may be part of assessing the condition and its effects.

Seek emergency help for fever with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, collapse, or rapidly darkening urine. Malaria and haemolysis can worsen quickly, so these symptoms should be assessed without delay.

Ask which prevention and treatment options fit your G6PD status, whether testing is needed before travel, what fever plan to follow, and how long after returning you should remain alert for malaria symptoms.