What should you know about malaria ovale?

Malaria ovale is caused by a particular malaria parasite. Like other malaria infections, it is usually acquired from an infected mosquito. A person may have fever, chills, or muscle aches, but symptoms alone cannot identify the species.

Some parasites can remain in liver cells after the first illness and later become active again. This is why treatment may need to address both parasites in the blood and any liver stage. A blood test helps clinicians confirm malaria and guide the treatment plan.

Take every medicine exactly as prescribed and tell the clinician about pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver problems, allergies, and other medicines. Ask whether follow-up testing is needed and what to do if fever returns after treatment.

For future travel, use a travel health consultation to plan mosquito protection and discuss malaria prophylaxis. Prevention advice depends on the destination and your personal health circumstances.

Seek urgent care for a new or returning fever after a diagnosis, or for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, or inability to drink. Tell the clinician that malaria ovale has been diagnosed or is being considered.

Ask how the species was identified, whether the treatment covers a possible liver stage, whether a follow-up blood test is planned, and which symptoms should prompt immediate review.