What are the treatment options for malaria?

Malaria is an infection caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. Fever, chills, headache, sweating, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhoea can develop after travel to an affected area, but symptoms may vary. Malaria can worsen quickly, so recent travel or residence should always be mentioned to a clinician.

A blood test helps look for malaria parasites and may need repeating when suspicion remains high. The treatment choice depends on the parasite species, where exposure occurred, previous medicines, pregnancy, age, other conditions and whether complications are present.

Uncomplicated malaria is treated with a prescribed antimalarial regimen selected for the infection. Severe malaria needs hospital care, medicines given through a vein or another urgent route, and close monitoring of breathing, circulation, consciousness, blood sugar and organ function.

Take every dose exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course unless the treating team changes it. Drink fluids if you can, rest, and use only clinician-approved fever relief. Do not rely on leftover travel medicines or self-treatment, because the wrong medicine may delay effective care.

Seek urgent medical care for fever during or after travel to a malaria area, even if you took prevention medicine. Go to emergency care for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, yellow skin, very little urine or inability to drink. Tell staff where and when you travelled.

Ask which parasite is suspected, whether repeat testing is needed, where treatment should be given, which medicines interact with yours, and how to prevent another infection on future travel.