How do you get malaria?

After entering the bloodstream, the parasite develops and multiplies in red blood cells. A person may develop fever, chills, sweating, headache or muscle aches after time has passed since the bite. Malaria is not spread by sharing food, casual touch or sitting near someone who is infected. Rare transmission can occur through infected blood or from a pregnant person to a baby, so tell a clinician about transfusions, needle exposure or pregnancy when relevant.

In a malaria area, reduce bites with repellent, long sleeves, covered legs, screens and a mosquito net when recommended. Arrange a travel health consultation before departure so prevention can account for your destination, route and personal health. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for some trips; take it according to the prescribed schedule. After returning, mention the travel history whenever you develop fever.

Seek prompt medical care for fever, chills or unusual weakness during or after travel in a malaria area. Emergency help is appropriate for confusion, collapse, seizures, severe breathing difficulty or repeated vomiting. A blood test may be needed even when symptoms seem mild, because the travel exposure changes how fever should be assessed.

Ask whether your destination carries malaria risk, which bite precautions fit your trip, whether prophylaxis is suitable, and what timing of testing is appropriate after a possible exposure.