What should you know about simple malaria?

Malaria is an infection passed through the bite of an infected mosquito. Clinicians use the term simple or uncomplicated when there are no signs that the infection is affecting vital organs or causing serious complications. It can still make someone feel very unwell and can worsen without treatment.

Symptoms may come and go in waves. Fever and chills are common, and some people also notice sweating, headache, nausea, muscle aches or marked fatigue. The pattern of symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria because many illnesses can look similar.

Arrange same-day medical assessment if you have a fever or flu-like illness after travel to an area where malaria occurs, or after a possible mosquito exposure. Tell the clinician where and when you travelled, whether you took preventive medicine, and when symptoms began.

Testing commonly involves a blood sample to look for the malaria parasite and may need to be repeated if symptoms continue. Treatment is chosen for the type of malaria, where it may have been acquired, your general health and any medicines you already take. Take the prescribed course exactly as directed, even if you start to feel better.

Rest, drink fluids if you can keep them down, and keep a note of fever episodes, medicines and vomiting. Do not rely on leftover antimalarial tablets or supplements as a substitute for a diagnosis.

Seek urgent medical care now for confusion, fainting, seizures, trouble breathing, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a rapidly worsening illness. These features need urgent assessment whether or not malaria has already been diagnosed.

Contact the treating team promptly if fever returns during treatment, you cannot take the medicine as prescribed, or symptoms are not improving. Children, pregnant people and people with conditions that affect immunity should be assessed without delay when malaria is possible.

Ask which test is being used, whether another blood test is needed, what the medicine is intended to treat, and which side effects mean you should call for advice. If you are planning further travel, ask how to reduce mosquito bites and whether preventive malaria medicine is suitable for that destination.