What type of disease is malaria?

After entering the body, malaria parasites travel to the liver and then infect red blood cells. This can produce fever, chills, sweating, headache, weakness, or muscle aches. Symptoms may come in episodes, but their pattern does not confirm malaria by itself. Other infections can look similar, so recent travel, mosquito exposure, and a blood test help a clinician assess the cause.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a fever during or after travel to a malaria area. Tell the clinician where you travelled, when you returned, any medicines you took to prevent malaria, and whether you have taken other medicines. Testing may require a blood test, and treatment depends on the parasite and your health. Do not use leftover antimalarial tablets.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, a seizure, trouble breathing, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the eyes, or inability to drink. A fever after travel needs prompt assessment even if it seems mild, because malaria can worsen quickly in some people.

Ask which test is appropriate, whether repeat testing is needed if the first result is negative, and which warning signs should send you to urgent care. You can also ask how mosquito protection and travel planning may reduce future exposure.