What should you know about source of malaria?

An infected mosquito can pass malaria parasites into the bloodstream while feeding. The parasites then develop in the body and can cause episodes of fever, chills and muscle aches. Malaria is not usually acquired from ordinary contact with an affected person. Symptoms may start after you return from a region where malaria occurs, and the timing can vary, so tell a clinician about recent travel even if the trip ended some time ago.

Seek medical assessment for fever or flu-like illness after travel to a malaria-risk area. Mention every country visited, dates of travel, mosquito bites and any prevention medicines taken. A Blood Test may be used to look for malaria, but a single assessment may not settle every case if symptoms continue. For future travel, a Travel Health Consultation can review destination-specific protection, while Malaria Prophylaxis may be suitable for some travellers.

Treat fever after relevant travel as urgent, particularly when it comes with chills, confusion, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, fainting or inability to drink. Go to emergency care if you become drowsy, have a seizure or deteriorate quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before mentioning the travel history.

Ask whether malaria testing is needed, whether repeat testing may be required if symptoms persist, which warning signs matter for you, and what prevention plan fits your next destination and medicines.