What is a malaria cell?

After an infected mosquito introduces the parasite, it first develops in liver cells. It then enters red blood cells, multiplies, and causes infected cells to break apart. Repeated release of parasites and inflammatory signals can produce cycles of fever, [Chills](/symptoms/chills/), and sweating.

The term does not describe a separate body part or a type of cancer. A person may also have [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/) and headache. These symptoms are not enough to diagnose malaria without clinical assessment and testing.

Tell the clinician about travel, mosquito exposure, previous malaria, and medicines. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) can examine blood for parasites or related changes. If the first test does not explain ongoing symptoms, the clinician may decide whether further testing is needed.

Treatment is selected according to the parasite type, illness severity, travel history, and personal health factors. For prevention on future trips, discuss [Malaria Prophylaxis](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/malaria-prophylaxis/).

Seek urgent care for fever after possible exposure if you become confused, unusually sleepy, short of breath, faint, unable to drink, or develop seizures. Prompt assessment is also needed for persistent fever after travel, because blood-cell infection can progress without obvious early signs.

Ask what the blood test is looking for, whether more than one sample may be needed, and how treatment choices depend on the parasite found. Before travel, consider a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/).