Malaria: symptoms, testing and treatment

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection that needs prompt medical assessment, testing and treatment.

It is acquired when an infected mosquito transmits parasites into the bloodstream. Illness can range from flu-like symptoms to severe disease, so feeling unwell during or after travel to an area where malaria occurs deserves medical attention.

Fever and chills are very common presentations of malaria. Muscle aches, tiredness, headache, sweating, nausea or vomiting may also develop. Jaundice can occur when the infection affects red blood cells and the liver's handling of bilirubin.

Symptoms may start while travelling or after returning home. Seek urgent assessment for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, seizures, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, or inability to drink fluids.

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is not spread through casual contact such as sharing a room, food or utensils. A clinician will consider where you travelled, the timing of symptoms and potential mosquito exposure.

The pattern can include episodes of fever, chills and sweating, but not everyone has a predictable cycle. Without suitable treatment, parasites can continue multiplying in the blood and some forms can become severe quickly. Do not wait for a classic pattern before arranging care.

Exposure is linked to travel or residence in places where malaria-carrying mosquitoes are present. Risk can rise with outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, sleeping without effective bite protection, or missing preventive medicines recommended for a journey. Pregnancy, young age and reduced immunity can make malaria more concerning.

A clinician may use a blood test to look for malaria parasites and assess how the illness is affecting the body. Tell the clinical team every country visited, travel dates, medicines taken and any previous malaria episode. Repeat testing may be needed when symptoms and the first result do not match.

Treatment is selected according to the parasite type, where the infection was acquired, illness severity, pregnancy status and ability to take medicine by mouth. Mild cases may be managed with prescribed antimalarial tablets; severe illness may require hospital treatment and close monitoring. Complete the prescribed course and contact the treating team if vomiting prevents doses from staying down.

Rest, fluids and simple meals can help while you recover, but they do not replace treatment. Keep a list of your medicines and report new symptoms, worsening weakness, reduced urine, or repeated vomiting. Follow-up may be advised to confirm that the infection has cleared.

Malaria can affect the brain, kidneys, lungs and blood cells, particularly when treatment is delayed or disease is severe. Emergency symptoms include altered behaviour, extreme sleepiness, collapse, breathing difficulty and seizures. These symptoms need emergency assessment.

Travel protection combines avoiding mosquito bites with preventive medicine when it is suitable for your destination. Use repellent, cover exposed skin when practical, and sleep in protected accommodation or under a treated net. A travel clinician can tailor advice to the itinerary and personal health needs.

Contact a GP, urgent-care service or travel-medicine clinician if malaria is possible. Tell them about recent travel before attending when you can, so the service can direct you safely. Emergency services are appropriate for severe symptoms.