What should you know about zoonotic malaria?

Zoonotic describes an infection that has an animal source in its transmission cycle. A mosquito may acquire a malaria parasite from an infected animal and later transmit it through a bite. This is different from catching malaria directly from an animal, another traveller or casual contact. Fever, chills, sweating, headache and muscle aches can occur, but symptoms do not identify the parasite or prove the diagnosis.

If your work, travel or activities involve forested areas or animals in places where zoonotic malaria has been reported, discuss the route with a travel clinician. Use repellent, long clothing, screened accommodation and bed nets to reduce mosquito bites. Do not change or share antimalarial medicine. Keep a record of destinations, dates, outdoor activities and medicines so a clinician can choose appropriate testing and care.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever or chills during travel or after returning from a potentially affected area. Tell the clinician about outdoor exposure and animal contact, as well as the travel dates. A blood test may be needed. Go to emergency care for confusion, breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask whether your destination and activities create relevant exposure, whether prophylaxis is suitable, which symptoms require urgent testing, and how to avoid mosquito bites around your accommodation.