How is malaria transmitted?

When the mosquito bites, parasites can enter the bloodstream. They first develop in the liver and then infect red blood cells, producing symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, and muscle aches. A mosquito must be infected for transmission to happen; a bite alone does not prove that malaria was passed on.

Less common routes include transfusion of infected blood, sharing contaminated needles, and transmission from a pregnant person to a baby. Malaria does not normally pass through coughing, touching, or sharing meals.

If you develop fever during or after travel to a malaria-risk area, tell a clinician where you went and when. Ask whether a blood test is needed and follow any treatment instructions carefully. Do not use leftover medication because the appropriate medicine depends on the parasite and your clinical situation.

For upcoming travel, arrange a travel health consultation. Discuss malaria prophylaxis, repellent, protective clothing, sleeping arrangements, and what to do if symptoms begin while abroad or after returning.

Seek urgent assessment for fever after possible exposure, with or without chills. Go to emergency care if there is confusion, a seizure, fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or persistent vomiting. Malaria can become serious, so waiting for symptoms to follow a predictable pattern is unsafe.

What testing is available today? Should testing be repeated if the first result is negative? Which preventive medicine suits my destination? What symptoms mean I should go directly to emergency care?