Symptoms of malaria

Malaria is an infection passed through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may begin after a delay following travel, and they can come and go rather than staying constant. A fever after visiting a malaria-risk area needs medical assessment even when the illness seems mild. Similar symptoms can occur with other infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria. A blood test may help identify the infection and guide treatment.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly and explain where you travelled, when you returned, and whether you used mosquito protection or preventive medicine. Drink fluids if you can, rest, and follow medical advice about fever relief. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before arranging assessment. For future travel, a travel health consultation can help you plan mosquito avoidance and malaria prophylaxis suited to the destination.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, unusual drowsiness, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, seizures, fainting, severe weakness, or a rapidly worsening fever. Tell the service that malaria may be possible if you have recently travelled. Children, pregnant people, and anyone with reduced immunity should seek advice promptly after fever or other compatible symptoms.

Ask which tests are needed, whether repeat testing may be necessary, how to manage fever safely, and which symptoms should send you back for urgent review. Ask what prevention plan is appropriate for your next journey.