Overview
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is rare in the US, UK, Canada and most of Europe but is a leading cause of fever in travellers returning from parts of Africa, Asia and South America. It typically causes fever, chills and body aches a week or more after a bite from an infected mosquito. Anyone who develops a fever after travel to a malaria area should be tested promptly, because malaria can become severe quickly.
Symptoms
- Fever that may come and go
- Chills and shivering
- Headache
- Body and joint aches
- Tiredness and weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bitter taste in the mouth
Causes & risk factors
- Bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito
- Travelling to or living in an area where malaria spreads
- Not taking prescribed malaria-prevention tablets when travelling
- Sleeping without an insecticide-treated net in a malaria area
Treatment & self-care
Malaria needs prompt diagnosis with a blood test and the full course of antimalarial medicines a doctor prescribes — never self-treat. Severe malaria is a hospital emergency. Travellers to malaria areas should ask a doctor or travel clinic about preventive tablets and use insect repellent and bed nets. Rest and plenty of fluids support recovery.
See a doctor urgently if
- Any fever within a year of travel to a malaria area — get tested
- Fever that does not settle within 48 hours of starting treatment
- Repeated vomiting, so medicines cannot stay down
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness or convulsions — seek emergency care
- Dark or very little urine, or yellow eyes
- Fever in a pregnant woman or a young child