How common is jaundice in malaria?

Malaria parasites infect red blood cells. Their destruction can release bilirubin faster than the body can process it. Illness affecting the liver can add to this effect, causing yellowing of the eyes or skin. Fever, chills, headache, weakness, sweating, or confusion may occur with malaria, but symptoms vary.

Jaundice in someone with fever or recent travel to a malaria area needs medical assessment. Testing is needed because malaria can worsen quickly and other infections or liver conditions can also cause yellowing.

Seek same-day medical advice if malaria is possible, particularly after travel or residence in an area where it occurs. Tell the clinician where you have been, when symptoms began, and whether you used mosquito protection or preventive medicine. Take only the antimalarial treatment prescribed for you and follow the dosing instructions.

Go to emergency care for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very dark urine, or rapidly worsening jaundice. A high fever with reduced alertness is also an emergency because severe malaria can affect the brain and other organs.

Ask which malaria tests are needed, when results will be reviewed, how to take treatment safely, and which symptoms should make you return immediately.