What are the symptoms of malaria?

Most people with malaria develop fever and may also notice chills, sweating, headache, unusual tiredness, or body aches. Some people have nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or confusion. Symptoms can begin after a delay following an infected mosquito bite, so a person may not connect illness with an earlier trip. These symptoms overlap with other illnesses; only appropriate testing can support a diagnosis.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if fever occurs during or after visiting a malaria area. Share the countries and dates of travel, mosquito bites if known, prevention medicines, and any conditions or medicines that affect treatment. A blood test is commonly used in the assessment. Avoid self-treating with someone else’s prescription.

Use emergency care for confusion, a seizure, severe breathing trouble, fainting, extreme drowsiness, inability to keep fluids down, or a rapidly worsening condition. Do not wait for chills or a particular fever pattern before seeking help; malaria can present differently between people.

Ask whether your travel history changes the testing plan, whether a repeat blood test may be needed, and what symptoms mean you should return urgently. Discuss prevention before any future travel to an area where malaria occurs.