Vivax malaria: what to know

Vivax malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Episodes may include fever, chills, sweating, headache, weakness and muscle aches, but symptoms can vary. The parasite can remain in the liver after illness in the blood improves, allowing symptoms to return. A recent stay in or travel through a malaria area is important information even if the journey was not recent.

Treat fever after relevant travel as a reason for same-day medical advice, particularly when chills or muscle aches are present. Tell the clinician where you travelled, when you returned, mosquito protection used, previous malaria and medicines taken. A blood test can help identify malaria, but repeat testing may be needed if suspicion remains. Take the prescribed course exactly as directed and attend follow-up to discuss treatment aimed at parasites that can remain in the liver.

Seek urgent care for fever with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, seizures, yellowing of the skin or inability to drink. Malaria can worsen quickly, and a mild early illness does not exclude serious disease. Pregnant people, young children and people with reduced immunity should obtain urgent medical advice for fever after possible exposure.

Could my travel history fit malaria? Do I need repeat blood tests? Which treatment clears blood-stage infection, and is additional treatment needed for liver-stage parasites? What symptoms should prompt emergency care, and how can I prevent infection on future travel?