Side effects of malaria

Malaria is an infection transmitted by certain mosquitoes. Symptoms may begin after travel or exposure in an affected area and can come in episodes, but timing varies. Fever and chills are common presentations of malaria; they do not prove that a fever is malaria. More serious illness can affect alertness, breathing, blood sugar, kidneys or other organs. Recent travel, mosquito exposure, previous malaria and medicines help clinicians judge the risk. A blood test can look for the infection and guide treatment.

Contact a medical service urgently if you develop fever during or after travel to a malaria-risk area, and mention every country visited and the dates. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe or rely on leftover medicines. Drink fluids if you can, rest, and follow the treatment plan exactly if malaria is confirmed. Antimalarial treatment depends on the parasite, illness severity, travel history and local resistance patterns. A travel health consultation before departure can help choose prevention.

Go to an emergency department for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, yellowing of the skin, very little urine, or extreme drowsiness. A rapidly worsening fever or weakness after travel also warrants urgent care. Tell staff about possible malaria immediately, because serious complications can develop even when early symptoms seem flu-like.

Ask which blood tests are needed, whether testing should be repeated, which treatment is suitable for the suspected parasite, and what warning signs require hospital care. Discuss prevention medicines before future travel and how to take them safely.