What should you know about stopping malaria?

Malaria is an infection spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. Prevention combines bite avoidance with medicine selected for the destination and the traveller. Preventive medicine reduces risk but does not make fever after travel something to ignore. Fever, chills or muscle aches can occur with malaria, and symptoms may begin during travel or after returning home. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) can help clinicians check for malaria when symptoms or travel history raise concern.

Arrange a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) before departure so the clinician can match advice to your itinerary, season, activities and health history. Use an approved insect repellent, wear clothing that covers skin, and sleep in a screened or insecticide-treated space when appropriate. Take [Malaria Prophylaxis](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/malaria-prophylaxis/) exactly as prescribed, including the timing before and after travel. If you develop [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) or [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) during a trip or after returning, tell the clinician where you have been and when you returned.

Seek urgent medical care for fever after visiting a malaria-risk area, especially with confusion, marked weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or collapse. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe and do not rely on a previous preventive medicine course to rule malaria out. Mention pregnancy, childhood age, immune problems and all medicines, because these details affect assessment and treatment. [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/) alongside fever or chills should also be reported.

Ask which preventive medicine fits your destination and medical history, when to start and stop it, what side effects need advice, and what symptoms should trigger testing after you return.