What should you know about malaria?

People with malaria may develop fever, chills, sweating, headache, tiredness or muscle aches. Symptoms can begin after travel and may not appear immediately. Other illnesses can look similar, so symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria.

Malaria is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes in areas where the parasite circulates. It is not usually passed by ordinary contact such as sharing a room or touching someone.

If you have fever during or after travel to a malaria area, contact a healthcare service promptly and mention the destination and dates. A blood test can look for the parasite and guide treatment.

Use mosquito-bite protection when travelling: cover exposed skin, use an appropriate repellent and follow advice about malaria prophylaxis. Prevention plans should be tailored before departure.

Seek emergency help for confusion, collapse, seizure, breathing difficulty, severe weakness or repeated vomiting. Any unexplained fever after relevant travel deserves prompt medical advice, even if you feel otherwise well.

Ask whether you need a blood test, how results will be followed and which symptoms require emergency care. Before another trip, ask for a travel health consultation and a prevention plan.