What should you know about malaria bacteria?

Malaria is not a bacterial infection. Parasites first multiply in the liver and then affect red blood cells, which can produce fever, chills and muscle aches. Symptoms may begin after you return from a region where malaria occurs, and the timing can vary by parasite and medicine exposure. A person may feel well between episodes, so feeling better does not rule it out.

Tell a clinician about every country visited, travel dates, mosquito exposure and any prevention medicine taken. Arrange a malaria blood test when it is advised; more than one sample may be needed if symptoms continue. Do not share leftover medicines or delay care while waiting for symptoms to settle. For future journeys, a travel health consultation can match prevention advice to the destination and your health history.

Seek urgent medical assessment for fever or chills during travel or after returning from a malaria-risk area, particularly if you become confused, very weak, breathless, faint or unable to drink. Malaria can worsen quickly, and early symptoms can resemble other infections. Use the clinician's advice about testing even when the fever is not present at the appointment.

Ask which test is appropriate, whether repeat testing is needed, how travel history changes the assessment, and which symptoms should send you to emergency care. You can also ask whether malaria prophylaxis is suitable for a future trip.