Malaria and diarrhoea: what the symptom can mean

Malaria can cause fever, chills, headache, tiredness and muscle aches; some people also develop stomach symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. Diarrhoea alone does not identify malaria. Food or water infections, medication effects and other illnesses can produce similar symptoms.

The combination of fever and diarrhoea after visiting a malaria area is a reason to contact a clinician promptly. A blood test may be used to check for malaria, while the clinician also considers dehydration and other travel-related infections. Mention blood, abdominal pain, vomiting, recent antibiotics and all travel locations.

Take frequent small sips of safe fluids. Oral rehydration solution can help replace water and salts when diarrhoea is significant; follow the product instructions. Eat light foods as tolerated and wash hands carefully. Avoid taking antidiarrhoeal or antimalarial medicines without advice, especially if fever, blood in stool or pregnancy is present.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if fever accompanies diarrhoea after travel. Bring medicine packets and note when symptoms began, how often stools occur, and whether you can urinate normally.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, very little urine, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. A child, older adult or pregnant person with these symptoms should be assessed without delay.

Ask whether malaria testing and repeat testing are needed, how to replace fluids, which medicines are suitable, and which symptoms mean emergency care. Explain your travel route, drinking-water sources, food exposures and prevention medicines.