15014 Malaria
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Malaria is a serious infection caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites you, the parasite enters your blood and can make you feel very ill. It is found in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Key facts
- Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
- The parasite multiplies in the liver, then invades red blood cells.
- It is preventable and treatable when diagnosed early.
- Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 4 weeks after being bitten.
Malaria is common in many tropical and subtropical regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific. In the UK and other non-tropical countries, it is rare and almost always linked to travel to these areas.
Anyone who lives in or visits a malaria-risk area can get it. The highest risk groups include young children, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and travellers who have not taken preventive medicines.
Symptoms
- Seizures or fits
- Severe confusion or difficulty waking up
- Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Dark, tea-coloured urine
- Collapsing or fainting
- ⚠Fever after visiting a malaria area, even if you took prevention medicines
- ⚠Flu-like symptoms after travel to the tropics
- ⚠Headache with fever and chills after travel
- ⚠Feeling very unwell within a month of returning from a malarial region
Common symptoms
- Fever, often coming in waves
- Chills and shivering
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Tiredness and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sweating
- Generally feeling unwell
Symptoms in children
- Fever, sometimes the only symptom
- Being unusually sleepy or hard to wake
- Irritability and crying
- Poor feeding or not drinking
- Breathing fast
- Seizures (fits)
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or acting differently
- Weakness and unsteadiness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever may be absent or mild
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme tiredness
Causes
Main causes
- Plasmodium parasites entering your bloodstream through the bite of an infected mosquito
- Infected female Anopheles mosquitoes are the main carriers
- Rarely, malaria can be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants or sharing infected needles
Risk factors
- Travelling to or living in a country where malaria is present
- Not taking antimalarial prevention tablets as recommended
- Sleeping without a bed net in malaria-risk areas
- Being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes bite
- Being a young child, pregnant woman, or having a weakened immune system
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- You have a fever or flu-like symptoms after visiting a malaria-risk area
- You have a severe headache, vomiting or confusion after travel
- You have had malaria before and develop fever again
Book a routine appointment if:
- You are planning to travel to a malaria area and need prevention advice
- You feel unwell after travelling and want to be checked, even if symptoms are mild
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about your travel history and symptoms. To confirm malaria, they will take a small blood sample and check it for the parasite in a laboratory or rapid test.
Tests that may be done
- Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) – a quick test on a finger-prick blood sample
- Blood smear – a microscope test to see the parasites in your blood
- Full blood count and blood chemistry – to check for anaemia, kidney or liver problems
What to expect at your appointment
The blood test is quick and can often give results in under an hour. A microscope test may take a few hours. If malaria is found, treatment is started immediately, sometimes in hospital if you are seriously ill.
Treatment
Malaria is treated with prescription antimalarial medicines. The type of medicine depends on the species of parasite, where you caught it, your age, and whether you are pregnant. Prompt treatment is very important to prevent complications.
Self-care at home
- Rest in bed while you have a fever
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor about a safe fever medication – do not take more than the recommended dose
- Cool your body with a damp cloth if you are very hot
- Finish every single dose of medicine, even if you start feeling better
Medical treatments
For mild malaria, treatment is usually a course of tablets taken at home for up to a week or more. For severe malaria, you will be treated in hospital, where medicines are given through a drip, along with fluids and close monitoring of your vital organs. Your healthcare team will adjust treatment based on your condition.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is not a treatment for malaria. The condition is treated with medicines and supportive care.
Living with this condition
While you recover, get plenty of rest, keep drinking fluids, and take your medicines exactly as prescribed. It may take a week or two to feel like yourself again, and tiredness can last longer. Contact your doctor if symptoms return or new symptoms appear.
Lifestyle tips
- Avoid alcohol while taking antimalarial medicines
- Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evening if you are still in a malaria area
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net every night in malaria areas
- Do not travel back to a malaria zone too soon – ask your doctor when it is safe
- Ease back into normal activities gradually
Diet and exercise
Eat small, light meals if you feel sick, and drink water, diluted juice or a rehydration drink. Once the fever goes, start with gentle activity like short walks and gradually increase your energy levels as you feel stronger.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Having malaria can be a frightening, exhausting experience. It is normal to feel anxious, low or tearful during recovery. If these feelings last, talk to your GP or a trusted health professional – emotional support is part of being well again.
Prevention
Yes. If you travel to a malaria area, you can greatly reduce your risk by taking preventive medicines, using insect repellent, sleeping under a bed net, and wearing long-sleeved clothes and long trousers in the evenings. Plan ahead – speak to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before you go.
Vaccines
There is a malaria vaccine that is being used in some African countries for children at high risk. For travellers, a malaria vaccine is not yet widely available. Your travel clinic will recommend the most appropriate prevention methods for your trip.
Screening programmes
There is no routine malaria screening for people without symptoms. Testing is only needed if you have symptoms or if a doctor believes you may have been exposed.
Complications
If left untreated
- Severe anaemia – dangerously low red blood cells, causing weakness, breathlessness and heart strain
- Cerebral malaria – the parasite reaches the brain, causing seizures, confusion, coma and brain damage
- Kidney failure – the kidneys may stop working properly
- Low blood sugar – especially in children and pregnant women, which can cause seizures and drowsiness
- Breathing problems, shock and organ failure – these can be fatal if not treated urgently
Long-term outlook
With rapid diagnosis and correct treatment, almost everyone with malaria recovers fully. Even severe malaria is often treatable in a hospital setting. The best way to protect yourself is to seek medical help early and follow your treatment plan completely.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS.UK ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.