What should you know about most common malaria parasite?

Malaria parasites are transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum can multiply in red blood cells and cause illness that worsens quickly; symptoms can include [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) and [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/). Symptoms may begin after returning from a malaria area, and the absence of symptoms immediately after travel does not rule it out. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) is needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Before travel to a malaria area, arrange a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) early enough to discuss destination-specific protection. [Malaria Prophylaxis](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/malaria-prophylaxis/) may be recommended, alongside mosquito-bite prevention such as covering skin and using an appropriate repellent. If fever develops during travel or after returning, tell the clinician where you have been, when you returned and whether you used preventive medicine. Do not self-treat with leftover tablets.

Seek urgent medical help for fever after possible malaria exposure, especially with confusion, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, collapse, yellowing skin or reduced alertness. Tell the service about recent travel even if the trip was some time ago. A rapidly worsening fever with shaking chills should not be watched at home while waiting for it to pass.

Ask which tests are needed, whether repeat testing is required if the first result is negative, and which treatment is appropriate for the parasite and travel area. Discuss pregnancy, allergies, other medicines and future travel protection.