What should you know about malaria spread through?

Malaria parasites move between people through an infected mosquito's bite. The infection does not normally pass through air, casual touch, shared utensils, or a cough. Transmission through infected blood, contaminated needles, or from a pregnant person to a baby is uncommon but medically relevant. Fever, Chills, and Muscle Aches can occur after infection, although symptoms need testing and cannot identify the route alone.

Prevent bites with repellent, clothing that covers skin, window screens, and mosquito nets where relevant. If you have been in a malaria area and develop fever, contact a clinician promptly and give the full travel history. A Blood Test may investigate the infection. For planned travel, book a Travel Health Consultation to discuss Malaria Prophylaxis.

Get urgent care for fever after possible exposure, especially with confusion, fainting, breathing problems, seizures, persistent vomiting, or severe weakness. Mention pregnancy, recent blood products, injection exposure, and prevention medicine to the healthcare team.

Ask which exposure matters in your situation, whether testing is needed now, and how long symptoms should be monitored. If travelling, ask how to combine bite avoidance with prescribed prevention medicine.